The Detroit Lions are adding another former NFL player to their coaching staff as part of their rebuilding efforts following the loss of several assistants this offseason.

Bruce Gradkowski, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, is joining Dan Campbell’s staff as an offensive assistant, according to ESPN. He spent the last two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks.

In 2024, the Battlehawks had a standout season from quarterback A.J. McCarron, who threw for 1,582 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. St. Louis finished with a 7-3 record but lost in the conference championship to the San Antonio Brahmas.

Before joining the Battlehawks, Gradkowski was an offensive assistant at Toledo for one year and also served as the head coach at St. Francis de Sales High School in 2021. He started his coaching career as a volunteer assistant quarterbacks coach at Anthony Wayne High School in Ohio.

The Lions have made major changes to their offensive staff, as coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Along with Johnson, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett also joined the Bears’ staff.

Furthermore, tight ends coach Steve Heiden and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand followed Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets.

To fill Johnson’s position, Campbell hired John Morton as the new offensive coordinator. Additionally, Campbell promoted offensive line coach Hank Fraley to run game coordinator for the upcoming season.

As a player, Gradkowski’s career spanned from 2006 to 2016. He played for the Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Steelers, starting 20 games and appearing in 37. He was originally drafted by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.