The Detroit Lions are making quick strides to rebuild their coaching staff after the key departures following their playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders.

The offseason has been challenging, with both coordinators leaving and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El following Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears.

However, the Lions have made a notable addition to their offensive staff, hiring a former NFL quarterback to help keep their momentum going into the next season.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bruce Gradkowski, who most recently served as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the UFL, will join Detroit as an offensive assistant coach.

“Detroit Lions are adding former NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to their staff as an offensive assistant coach, per source…….He informed the Lions last night of his decision to take his first NFL coaching opportunity,” Schefter reported.

Gradkowski brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching careers.

The former NFL quarterback played 11 seasons in the league, representing the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

His coaching journey began at the high school level in 2017, before he had a brief stint at Toledo and later became the offensive coordinator in the UFL.

His recent success with the BattleHawks included a standout Player of the Year season for Hakeem Butler.

While at Toledo, his alma mater, Gradkowski worked as an offensive analyst.

Over his NFL career, he played in 37 games, starting 20, throwing for 4,057 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions.