The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator search is officially underway, and as the franchise looks to upgrade its offense for the 2026 NFL season, several high-profile names are expected to surface. One intriguing — though unlikely — possibility is former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy is one of the most accomplished offensive minds potentially available. A Super Bowl–winning head coach, McCarthy brings decades of NFL experience and a proven track record of quarterback development. However, while his résumé is impressive, questions remain about whether he would be the right fit — or even a realistic target — for Detroit.

Why Mike McCarthy Would Be an Intriguing Option for the Lions

During his five-year stint as Dallas Cowboys head coach (2020–2024), McCarthy oversaw some of the best seasons of Dak Prescott’s career. In both 2021 and 2023, Prescott threw for 36 or more touchdowns, limited interceptions to 10 or fewer, and completed at least 68.8 percent of his passes. He also surpassed 4,440 passing yards in each of those seasons and finished runner-up for NFL MVP in 2023.

From a Lions perspective, McCarthy’s biggest strength would be his ability to command immediate respect in the locker room. His experience could translate well to Jared Goff, potentially helping the quarterback feel even more comfortable and confident operating the offense in Detroit. A strong McCarthy-Goff relationship could provide short-term stability and credibility on the offensive side of the ball.

Why the Fit Likely Doesn’t Make Sense

Despite the positives, the odds of McCarthy joining the Lions as offensive coordinator appear slim. At this stage of his career, McCarthy is far more likely to pursue another head coaching opportunity rather than take a step back into a coordinator role. It’s unclear whether he would even consider an OC position in 2026.

Additionally, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has consistently favored younger, ascending coaches who align with Dan Campbell’s long-term vision and aggressive team culture. McCarthy’s veteran status and traditional coaching style may not fit the organizational profile Detroit has prioritized in recent hires.

There are also schematic questions. While McCarthy has produced strong passing offenses, his system may not fully maximize Detroit’s current personnel or align with the Lions’ desire for adaptability and innovation.

Final Verdict: Low Probability Move

While the Lions could certainly do worse than a coach with McCarthy’s pedigree, this scenario feels more theoretical than realistic. Between his head coaching aspirations and Detroit’s front office tendencies, the chances of McCarthy becoming the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2026 remain extremely low.

Estimated probability: Five to 10 percent.

In the end, expect the Lions to continue targeting a coordinator who better fits their long-term vision — even if Mike McCarthy’s name briefly enters the conversation.