The Detroit Lions are making it clear they intend to protect their coaching staff — and they may have sent a message to a familiar rival in the process.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Miami Dolphins, now led by former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, requested permission to interview Lions offensive assistant Bruce Gradkowski for their quarterbacks coach position.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell reportedly denied the request, making it clear that Gradkowski is staying in Detroit.

Lions Shut Down Request From Former Packers Coordinator

Given Hafley’s ties to Green Bay, the move carries extra weight. Campbell and the Lions have spent recent seasons battling the Packers for control of the NFC North, and Detroit had little motivation to assist a former rival now working in Miami.

By blocking the interview request, the Lions not only retained a valued offensive coach, but also prevented a former Packers coordinator from strengthening his new staff.

Bruce Gradkowski Viewed as Rising Offensive Mind

Gradkowski joined Detroit’s staff in 2025 and is widely viewed inside the organization as a developing offensive coach with long-term potential. Prior to his arrival in Detroit, he served as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks of the UFL, where his system gained league-wide attention and helped elevate his NFL profile.

As a player, Gradkowski starred at Toledo before being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He later played for the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers, carving out a lengthy professional career.

Lions Send Clear Message on Coaching Stability

Detroit’s decision reinforces its commitment to continuity on offense while signaling that Gradkowski is part of the franchise’s present and future. It also reflects Campbell’s broader approach to protecting key contributors as the Lions prepare for the 2026 season.

For Detroit, the move accomplishes two goals: keeping an emerging coach in-house and declining to help a former Packers coordinator rebuild elsewhere.