Dan Orlovsky Throws His Hat In The Ring For The Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Position

As the Detroit Lions begin their search for a new offensive coordinator, a familiar face has emerged as a potential—albeit unconventional—candidate. Dan Orlovsky, the former Lions quarterback turned ESPN analyst, is suddenly generating buzz regarding the vacancy in the Motor City. While the team has not officially named him as a target, recent conversations on The Pat McAfee Show have ignited speculation that Orlovsky could return to the sidelines where his NFL career began.

Where The Dan Orlovsky-Detroit Lions OC Buzz Started

The chatter started when Evan Fox, a producer on The Pat McAfee Show, floated Orlovsky’s name as a perfect fit for Detroit’s high-powered offense. Fox highlighted Orlovsky’s deep understanding of the current scheme, his existing relationship with head coach Dan Campbell, and his public admiration for quarterback Jared Goff.

“I got a name that no one’s talking about that would fit really well in Detroit,” Fox said on the show. “I think Dan Orlovsky, with his history with the Lions, former teammate of MCDC’s [Dan Campbell]. The guy knows everything about the Ben Johnson offense.”

Fox went on to paint a picture of Orlovsky working with Detroit’s loaded roster, which features stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta. “Can you imagine Dan Orlovsky on a pen and paper… writing up plays for the Detroit Lions next year and sending us to the Super Bowl?”

Orlovsky Responds to the Speculation

It didn’t take long for Orlovsky to respond to the suggestion. On Wednesday, the analyst confirmed that if the Lions were interested, the feeling would be mutual.

“I would do it very much so in Detroit,” Orlovsky stated. “I love that place, I love that organization, I love a lot of those people that are there. I love Jared. I’m a huge Jared guy.”

Orlovsky’s enthusiasm for the current state of the franchise is palpable. He referred to the Lions roster as “loaded” multiple times, emphasizing the rare opportunity to step into an offense that is already established as one of the league’s best. However, he also tempered expectations, noting that he would only pursue the role if the interest was reciprocal.

A History in Detroit

Orlovsky’s connection to the Lions runs deep. Drafted by Detroit in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, he spent seven seasons with the franchise over two separate stints. While his playing career is often remembered for the infamous safety against the Minnesota Vikings in 2008, Orlovsky has since reinvented himself as one of the sharpest analytical minds in football media.

His breakdown of game film on ESPN has earned him respect across the league, leading to previous interview opportunities with teams like the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts.

Will It Happen?

Currently, this remains firmly in the realm of speculation. The Lions have yet to request an interview with Orlovsky, and the team will likely cast a wide net to replace their outgoing coordinator. However, the connection makes sense on paper. Orlovsky was a teammate of Dan Campbell in Detroit, understands the culture Campbell has built, and clearly respects the talent on the roster.

For now, Lions fans are left to wonder if the former quarterback is ready to trade the broadcast booth for the headset. If Dan Campbell is looking for a bright offensive mind who loves Detroit, Orlovsky has made it clear: he’s ready for the call.