The Detroit Lions continue to surprise this offseason, making another unexpected coaching decision as they reshape their staff for the 2026 season.
Their first shocking move came when the Lions hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator after interviewing several high-profile candidates. Offensive minds such as Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel were reportedly available, making Petzing’s hiring stand out even more.
Petzing is coming off an unsuccessful three-year stint with the Arizona Cardinals, where the team finished 3–14 during the 2025-26 season. While the reaction to his hiring was largely lukewarm, head coach Dan Campbell appears committed to building a new-look coaching staff around him.
Now, Detroit has made another surprising addition.
Lions Hire Dan Skipper to Coaching Staff
According to CBS Sports reporter Rachel Hopmayer, the Detroit Lions are hiring recently retired offensive lineman Dan Skipper to their coaching staff.
“Good morning: Lions fan favorite and recently retired OL Dan Skipper has been hired to Detroit’s coaching staff. He’ll be molding the next jumbo TEs in no time,” Hopmayer posted on X on Wednesday, February 11.
Skipper was a popular figure among Lions fans, and his return to Detroit in a coaching role has been met with widespread approval. While it remains to be seen if his success as a player will translate to coaching, the move is being viewed as a positive cultural addition.
Skipper officially announced his retirement on January 22 after appearing in 69 NFL games during his career. He made 16 starts with the Lions and caught one touchdown pass. Last month, he also served as a coach at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Although Skipper’s exact role has not yet been announced, he is expected to work as an assistant tight ends coach. He would replace Seth Ryan, who recently left Detroit to become the New York Jets’ passing game coordinator.
Skipper Hire May Signal Long-Term Plan for Hank Fraley
In a feature for Detroit Jock City on Wednesday, February 11, writer Chris Schad suggested that Skipper’s hiring could be part of a broader long-term strategy by the Lions.
“Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley has seen his stock rise over the past few years,” Schad wrote. “While Skipper will begin in a minor role, he could be part of a larger plan to deal with Fraley’s eventual exit from Detroit.”
Fraley joined the Lions in 2018 as an assistant offensive line coach under Matt Patricia before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2020. Over the past six seasons, his work with Detroit’s offensive front has drawn interest from around the league and could lead to future opportunities elsewhere.
Skipper will now work alongside Petzing as the Lions attempt to rebuild their offensive identity.
Lions Praise Drew Petzing’s Coaching Background
In their official announcement, the Lions highlighted Petzing’s extensive NFL experience.
“Entering his 14th NFL season in 2026, Petzing’s previous professional experience includes time with the Cleveland Browns as quarterbacks coach (2022), tight ends coach (2020-21), and football operations intern (2013),” the Lions said. “He also coached with the Minnesota Vikings as wide receivers coach (2019), assistant quarterbacks coach (2018), and assistant wide receivers coach (2014-17).”
As Dan Campbell continues to shape his coaching staff for the 2026 campaign, the additions of Drew Petzing and Dan Skipper signal a shift toward a fresh offensive approach — one that could redefine Detroit’s future.
