Detroit Lions Hire Fan-Favorite Offensive Lineman To Coaching Staff For 2026
It is always sad when a fan-favorite player retires. For the Detroit Lions, Dan Skipper is one of those guys. After announcing his retirement from playing less than a month ago, the fan-favorite offensive lineman is already back in Allen Park, this time with a whistle and a clipboard.
Skipper is trading his helmet for a headset, officially joining Dan Campbell’s coaching staff for the 2026 season. It’s a move that feels both surprising and completely natural, and it has the fan base buzzing. For a player who embodied the kneecap-biting mentality of this Lions era, it only makes sense that he would stick around to help teach it.
Detroit Lions Getting Dan Skipper Back In The Building
Dan Skipper’s journey in the NFL was anything but easy. The massive 6-foot-9 offensive tackle went undrafted out of Arkansas in 2017 and began a tour of the league, bouncing between practice squads and active rosters. His career path is a testament to his perseverance, with multiple stints in Detroit mixed in with stops elsewhere.
It was under Dan Campbell that Skipper finally found a permanent home. He carved out a crucial role, not just as a backup tackle, but as the team’s designated “jumbo” tight end. He became the sixth offensive lineman sent in for heavy run packages, a physical presence who helped pave the way for Detroit’s dominant ground game. Over his nine-year career, Skipper played in 69 games, with 66 of them in a Lions uniform.
His cult hero status exploded after the controversial ending to the 2023 game against the Dallas Cowboys. From that moment on, every time the stadium announcer declared, “No. 70 is reporting as eligible,” Lions fans would erupt in cheers. It was a small but powerful symbol of the connection Skipper had built with the city and its fans.
A Quick Transition to Coaching
When Skipper announced his retirement in January, he made it clear that coaching was his next goal. “24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” he wrote. “This year, I’ll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching.”
Few could have predicted how quickly that dream would become a reality. He didn’t waste any time, helping coach offensive linemen and tight ends at the East-West Shrine Bowl just days after his announcement. Now, he’s bringing that passion back to the organization he knows best.
While his official title has not yet been announced, it’s easy to connect the dots. The Lions recently promoted assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to lead the tight ends, creating a clear opening. Skipper’s deep knowledge of offensive line play under coach Hank Fraley, combined with his extensive experience as a blocking tight end, makes him a perfect fit for a role assisting on the offensive side of the ball.
What Dan Skipper Brings to the Sideline
Hiring a recently retired player is a move that comes with several built-in advantages. Skipper isn’t just a new coach; he’s a guy who was in the trenches with most of the current roster just a few weeks ago.
First and foremost, he brings instant credibility. He understands the physical and mental demands of playing in the NFL because he just lived it. He can relate to players on a level that few other coaches can, offering insights from a player’s perspective. His work ethic and dedication are already well-known within the locker room, and he commands respect.
Second, he offers valuable versatility. Having played both tackle and the jumbo tight end role, Skipper has a unique understanding of how the running and passing games connect from the line of scrimmage. He can mentor young linemen on technique while also helping tight ends with their blocking assignments. This dual expertise is a rare asset for a first-year coach.
Keeping The Culture
Finally, he is a culture keeper. Dan Campbell has built the Lions’ identity around toughness, grit, and a relentless motor. Dan Skipper is the walking embodiment of that culture. He fought for every opportunity in his career and earned his place through sheer will. Having him on the staff ensures that the “True Grit” mentality that defines this team will continue to be passed down to the next wave of players. It’s a move that strengthens the foundation of what the Lions are building, making a smart football decision feel like a family reunion.
