Report: Lions Blocked Dolphins From Interviewing Assistant Coach

The Detroit Lions did not want to lose one of their assistant offensive coaches to a rival.

According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, "The #Dolphins requested to interview offensive assistant and former NFL QB Bruce Gradkowski for their QBs coach position, but Detroit blocked the request. Gradkowski had a ton of success as an OC in the XFL with St. Louis — and seems to be valued in Detroit as a rising coach in their building."

New Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley was the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, prior to securing his first head coaching opportunity.

Detroit's coaching staff has yet to be officially finalized, but should be announced soon.

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, speaking to SB Nation, expressed why he felt he was the right fit for Dan Campbell's coaching staff.

“I think it’s, it’s the confidence that I go about the job with. It’s my background in a lot of different rooms. And one of the key points of being an offensive coordinator is you got to be in charge of everything, and you have to hold people accountable," said Petzing. "And I think it helps having a diverse background on the offensive side of the ball to be able to do that.

"Because I’ve had to coach the details of how to block, you know, wide zone on the front side with a tight end, or how to release first press as a receiver," Petzing added. "Where the quarterback’s eyes and where his feet should be in the quarterback room.”

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Petzing, along with the offensive staff, will be tasked with keeping the offense playing and performing at a very high level. Despite the team struggling, Detroit's offense was still among the highest-scoring units in the National Football League in 2025.

“I think that was probably one of those things that I like to think showed throughout the interview. And then the other part of calling plays for three years, you start to figure out why you’re doing things, how to highlight talent that you do or don’t have," said Petzing. "And I think that’s something that hopefully people were able to see throughout my three years there in Arizona. And I’m hoping I’m getting better every single game and every year I’m doing it.”

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Sources: The #Dolphins requested to interview #Lions offensive assistant and former NFL QB Bruce Gradkowski for their QBs coach position, but Detroit blocked the request.

Gradkowski had a ton of success as an OC in the XFL with St. Louis — and seems to be valued in Detroit as a… pic.twitter.com/U8cahZNu5H
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 13, 2026

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