David Shaw Returns to Coaching with Detroit Lions
Former Stanford head coach David Shaw ‘95 has accepted a position as the Detroit Lions’ pass game coordinator.
This marks Shaw’s first coaching role since he stepped down from Stanford in 2022. He had a brief tenure as Senior Personnel Executive with the Denver Broncos in 2024, where he collaborated with John Morton, the Lions’ new offensive coordinator. Shaw’s hiring follows a wave of coach departures from the Lions after their 15-2 season, the team’s most successful ever.
Shaw is following in the footsteps of his father, Willie Shaw, who coached the Lions’ defensive backs in the 1980s. This position represents Shaw’s return to the NFL after over a decade coaching at the college level.
His hiring comes less than a month after Shaw interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ head coach position, which was ultimately filled by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Shaw was a wide receiver at Stanford from 1991 to 1994 and later returned to coach the team in 2011, leading the program for 12 seasons. During his time as head coach, he posted a 96-54 record, won three Pac-12 titles, and claimed two Rose Bowl victories. After a series of challenging seasons, he stepped down in 2022 but remains highly regarded in the football world.
Before his college coaching career, Shaw spent nine years in the NFL, working with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens in various offensive assistant roles. His most recent role was as a senior personnel executive with the Denver Broncos, broadening his front-office experience.
Shaw replaces Tanner Engstand, who served as the Lions’ pass game coordinator for the past two years. His addition bolsters Detroit’s coaching staff, bringing valuable expertise in offensive strategy and player development. With head coach Dan Campbell leading the team, the Lions continue to build a competitive NFC contender, and Shaw’s experience in both college and professional football could be crucial in refining their offensive approach.