The Detroit Lions handed former Stanford head coach David Shaw a multi-year contract to become the team’s new passing game coordinator on Thursday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Shaw previously spent 12 seasons at Stanford from 2011 through 2022, finishing with a 96-54 record.
He was a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos in 2024, but he hasn’t been part of an NFL coaching staff since he was with the Baltimore Ravens as a wide receivers coach in 2005 (via Pelissero).
Shaw’s brief tenure with the Broncos represents a connection to John Morton, who was hired as Detroit’s new offensive coordinator on Tuesday.
Morton served as Denver’s passing game coordinator in 2024.
As for Shaw, his career with the Cardinal started off strong. They reached at least 10 wins in five of his first six years with the team, which included two Rose Bowl victories. Shaw’s first season at the school was also with quarterback Andrew Luck, who finished No. 2 in 2011 Heisman Trophy voting and went on to make four Pro Bowl appearances in the NFL.
Stanford couldn’t maintain the same level of success under Shaw, who eventually resigned in 2022 following consecutive 3-9 seasons.
He’s received some interest throughout the current hiring cycle prior to his reported contract with the Lions, as the Chicago Bears previously interviewed him for the team’s offensive coordinator vacancy.
Shaw will now replace Tanner Engstrand as Detroit’s passing game coordinator. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that Engstrand is a candidate to become the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets under head coach and former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
As the Lions look to bounce back from a disappointing divisional-round playoff exit, they’re reportedly bringing in Shaw as their new passing game coordinator.
