The Detroit Lions are bringing on another ex-NFL player to their coaching team as they work to rebuild after parting ways with multiple assistants this offseason.
According to ESPN, Bruce Gradkowski, a veteran of 11 NFL seasons, is being added to Dan Campbell’s coaching team as an offensive assistant. He had served as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL during the previous two seasons.
In 2024, the Battlehawks enjoyed a solid season from quarterback A.J. McCarron, who passed for 1,582 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. St. Louis ended with a record of 7-3 and was defeated in the conference championship by the San Antonio Brahmas.
Before joining the Battlehawks, Gradkowski served as an offensive assistant at Toledo for one year and was the head coach at St. Francis de Sales High School for one season in 2021. He started his coaching path as a volunteer assistant quarterbacks coach at Ohio’s Anthony Wayne High School.
The Lions have revamped their offensive team since coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Together with Johnson, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett also left to join the Bears coaching staff.
Moreover, the Lions parted ways with tight ends coach Steve Heiden and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, as they both accompanied Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets.
To take Johnson’s place, Campbell appointed John Morton as the new offensive coordinator for the team. Furthermore, Campbell elevated offensive line coach Hank Fraley to the position of run game coordinator for the forthcoming season.
During his playing career from 2006 to 2016, Gradkowski was part of the Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Steelers. He played in 37 games and started 20 during that period after being selected by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.