Detroit Lions Hire Former Stanford Head Coach David Shaw as Passing Game Coordinator
January 31, 2025.
The Detroit Lions continue to bolster their coaching staff ahead of the 2025 NFL season, hiring former Stanford head coach David Shaw as their new passing game coordinator. The move, first reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, brings a wealth of experience to Detroit’s offensive staff as they look to build on their recent success.
Shaw, who spent 12 seasons as the head coach at Stanford, most recently worked as a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos. His hiring reunites him with newly appointed Lions offensive coordinator John Morton, who also spent last season with the Broncos.
A Respected Coaching Mind Joins the Lions
The addition of Shaw to the Lions’ staff represents a significant step forward for the franchise’s offensive development. While head coach Dan Campbell has overseen a remarkable transformation in Detroit, the passing game remains an area where improvement could elevate the team to true Super Bowl contention.
Shaw’s extensive background in offensive strategy and quarterback development makes him a valuable asset to the Lions. During his tenure at Stanford (2011-2022), he built a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football, helping develop NFL quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Kevin Hogan, and Davis Mills.
His ability to craft efficient passing schemes and maximize quarterback play could be instrumental in helping quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions’ receiving corps take another step forward in 2025.
Shaw’s Impact on Stanford’s Offense
At Stanford, Shaw’s teams were known for their pro-style offense, emphasizing efficient quarterback play, precise route-running, and creative passing concepts. Under his guidance, Andrew Luck flourished into the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Kevin Hogan became a consistent leader for the Cardinal.
Beyond quarterback development, Shaw’s passing offenses frequently featured productive tight ends and reliable receivers—an approach that could fit well with Detroit’s offensive personnel. The Lions already have an elite playmaker in Amon-Ra St. Brown, a rising star tight end in Sam LaPorta, and explosive deep threats in Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds.
Shaw’s ability to design passing schemes that cater to his players’ strengths could add a new dimension to an already potent offense.
A Reunion with John Morton
One of the biggest factors in Shaw’s hiring is his connection with John Morton. The two worked together last season in Denver, where Morton was a senior offensive assistant before joining the Lions as their new offensive coordinator.
Their familiarity with each other’s coaching styles and philosophies should create a seamless transition in Detroit. Morton, who has a background in passing game coordination from his time with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, will likely lean on Shaw’s experience in quarterback development and passing-game design.
Shaw and Morton will now work alongside Ben Johnson, the Lions’ highly regarded offensive coordinator who turned down multiple head coaching opportunities this offseason to remain in Detroit. With all three minds collaborating, the Lions’ offense could reach new heights in 2025.
The Lions’ Passing Game in 2024: Room for Growth
Despite their success last season, the Lions’ passing game had room for improvement. Jared Goff finished the 2024 season with solid numbers—over 4,200 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—but there were moments where Detroit struggled against elite pass defenses.
One of the biggest challenges for the Lions was their performance in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs. While their offense was among the NFL’s best in total yardage, inconsistency in the passing game sometimes stalled drives at crucial moments.
With Shaw now on board, Detroit will look to refine its aerial attack by incorporating more advanced route concepts, improving situational play-calling, and maximizing Goff’s efficiency.
What This Means for Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been a steady presence at quarterback for the Lions since arriving in the Matthew Stafford trade. However, if Detroit hopes to win its first Super Bowl in franchise history, Goff will need to elevate his game even further.
Shaw’s history with quarterbacks suggests he could help Goff refine his decision-making, improve his accuracy in tight windows, and enhance his ability to read defenses. At Stanford, Shaw’s quarterbacks often thrived in structured, timing-based passing offenses, which aligns well with Goff’s strengths.
Additionally, Shaw’s influence could be beneficial in developing the Lions’ young quarterbacks behind Goff. Hendon Hooker, who spent last season learning the system, may benefit significantly from working with a coach known for his ability to mentor and develop signal-callers.
How Shaw Fits with the Lions’ Coaching Staff
Detroit’s coaching staff already features one of the most respected offensive minds in the game with Ben Johnson. With John Morton stepping in as offensive coordinator and now Shaw overseeing the passing game, the Lions have built a strong brain trust around their offense.
Here’s how the offensive coaching structure is shaping up:
Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator): The architect of the Lions’ high-powered offense, responsible for overall scheme and play-calling.
John Morton (Offensive Coordinator): Will work closely with Johnson, likely focusing on game planning, situational football, and implementing Shaw’s passing-game concepts.
David Shaw (Passing Game Coordinator): Tasked with improving the Lions’ passing efficiency, route combinations, and quarterback performance.
This three-pronged approach could provide Detroit with the firepower needed to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025.
Shaw’s Return to Coaching: A Step Toward an NFL Head Coaching Job?
While Shaw’s immediate focus will be on elevating the Lions’ passing game, his return to coaching could be a stepping stone toward a future NFL head coaching position.
Shaw was frequently linked to NFL coaching jobs during his time at Stanford, with multiple teams reportedly expressing interest over the years. However, he chose to remain in the college ranks until stepping away from coaching in 2022.
His brief time as a personnel executive in Denver provided him with insight into the NFL from a front-office perspective, and now his return to the sidelines suggests he may be eyeing a future head coaching opportunity. If he succeeds in Detroit, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Shaw’s name resurface in coaching searches over the next few years.
What’s Next for the Lions?
With the coaching staff nearly finalized, the Lions will now turn their attention to roster construction as they prepare for the 2025 season. The NFL Draft and free agency will be crucial periods for Detroit as they look to strengthen their roster and address any remaining weaknesses.
The Lions’ offense is already among the league’s best, but the addition of Shaw could give them an extra edge in the passing game. If he can help Goff take the next step and maximize the talent of Detroit’s receivers, the Lions could be in for a historic season.
Detroit fans have long waited for a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and with this latest hire, the franchise continues to show its commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
Final Thoughts
David Shaw’s arrival in Detroit brings another experienced offensive mind to an already strong coaching staff. His knowledge of quarterback play, passing concepts, and offensive game planning makes him a perfect fit for a Lions team on the rise.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Shaw’s influence impacts the Lions’ passing game. If his track record is any indication, Detroit’s aerial attack could be more dangerous than ever.
For Lions fans, the excitement continues to build. With a talented roster, a top-tier coaching staff, and an offense poised for even greater success, Detroit is inching closer to its ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.
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