Gang Green Nation
Late last night it was revealed by NFL insider Tom Pelissero that the Detroit Lions had come to an agreement with former Stanford Head Coach David Shaw, naming him the passing game coordinator ahead of the 2025 season.
Shaw spent last year with the Denver Broncos as a Senior personnel executive and has for a long time been one of the most respected coaches on the west coast.
Shaw being named the passing game is notable for the New York Jets, as that title was held by offensive coordinator target Tanner Engstrand last season.
It’s been widely reported that Aaron Glenn is interested in bringing his former colleague over to New York with him and that appears a step closer with the Lions moving on and handing his title to someone else.
Engstrand would be a risky but exciting hire for the Jets. He’s spent the last five years in Detroit working with newly hired Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who’s largely considered one of the best offensive minds in football.
The passing game in Detroit has gone to another level with Johnson and Tanner. In 2023 the Lions ranked second in the NFL in net passing yards (4,401), fourth in passing touchdowns (30), fifth in yards-per-attempt (7.60) while also setting franchise records for total touchdowns scored (58).
In 2024 the Lions went one better. The Lions passed for 4,718 yards while throwing 39 touchdowns. It was an explosive offence that ranked third in the league with 62 passing plays that gained 20+ yards and 5th in the league with 11 passing plays that gained 40+ yards.
He was with Jim Harbaugh in San Diego and was hired by Harbaugh again when the head coach took over at Michigan, which is a big seal of approval.
While Glenn went the experienced route in reportedly hiring Steve Wilks to run his defense, it appears as though he’s going with potential for his offensive coordinator.
No deals have been signed or announced, but it appears as through it’s getting closer.
