Former football head coach David Shaw, class of 1995, has accepted a position as the Detroit Lions’ pass game coordinator.

This marks Shaw’s return to coaching after stepping down as Stanford’s head coach in 2022. He briefly served as Senior Personnel Executive for the Denver Broncos in 2024, working closely with John Morton, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator. Shaw’s hiring comes during a time of significant staff turnover following the Lions’ historic 15-2 season, the best in franchise history.

Shaw’s move follows in the footsteps of his father, Willie Shaw, who served as the Lions’ defensive backs coach during the 1980s. This is Shaw’s return to the NFL after spending over a decade in college football.

Shaw was recently interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ head coach position, which ultimately went to former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Shaw, a former wide receiver at Stanford from 1991-1994, later returned to the school as head coach in 2011, leading the team for 12 seasons. Under his leadership, Stanford posted a 96-54 record, won three Pac-12 titles, and secured two Rose Bowl wins. He stepped down in 2022 after a challenging stretch but remains highly regarded in the football world.

Before coaching in college, Shaw spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, serving in various offensive assistant roles. Most recently, he worked as Senior Personnel Executive for the Denver Broncos, gaining valuable front-office experience.

Shaw replaces Tanner Engstand, who held the Lions’ passing game coordinator role for the last two years. Shaw’s arrival adds significant expertise to Detroit’s coaching staff, enhancing their offensive strategies and player development. With head coach Dan Campbell at the helm, the Lions continue to strengthen their position as NFC contenders, and Shaw’s blend of college and NFL experience should be instrumental in refining their offensive game plan.