Former football head coach David Shaw ‘95 has agreed to take a position with the Detroit Lions as their passing game coordinator.
This position marks Shaw’s initial coaching role after leaving his post as the head of Stanford football in 2022. He previously held the position of Senior Personnel Executive for the Denver Broncos in 2024, collaborating with John Morton, the new offensive coordinator for the Lions. Shaw’s appointment occurs during a significant departure of Lions coaches after the squad completed the season with a 15-2 record, marking their finest achievement in history.
Shaw follows his father’s example, as Willie Shaw was the Lions’ defensive backs coach during the 1980s. This action signifies Shaw’s comeback to the NFL following over ten years of coaching in college football.
The hiring occurs under a month after Shaw interviewed with the Chicago Bears for their head coach role, which has now been taken by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Shaw was a wide receiver at Stanford from 1991 to 1994 and returned to his former school as head coach in 2011, guiding the team for 12 seasons. Throughout his time in the position, he achieved a 96-54 record, captured three Pac-12 titles, and obtained two Rose Bowl wins. He resigned in 2022 after a series of challenging seasons but continued to be a revered presence in the football community.
Before coaching college football, Shaw dedicated nine years to the NFL, serving in different offensive assistant positions with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. Most recently, he acted as a senior personal executive for the Denver Broncos during the last season, enhancing his front-office experience.
Shaw takes over from Tanner Engstand, who was the Lions’ passing game coordinator for the last two years. His recruitment bolsters Detroit’s coaching team, providing extensive expertise in offensive tactics and player development. The Lions, under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell, are steadily forming a formidable contender in the NFC, and Shaw’s background in both college and professional football may significantly enhance their offensive strategy.