David Shaw Returns to Coaching, Takes Role with Detroit Lions
Former Stanford football head coach David Shaw has accepted an offer to become the Detroit Lions’ new pass game coordinator.
This marks Shaw’s first coaching job since stepping down as Stanford’s head coach in 2022. He previously worked as Senior Personnel Executive for the Denver Broncos in 2024, collaborating with John Morton, the Lions’ newly appointed offensive coordinator. Shaw’s hiring comes amid significant coaching changes for the Lions following their historic 15-2 season, the best in the franchise’s history.
Shaw follows in the footsteps of his father, Willie Shaw, who coached the Lions’ defensive backs during the 1980s. This move signifies Shaw’s return to the NFL after spending over a decade coaching college football.
The hiring comes less than a month after Shaw was interviewed by the Chicago Bears for their head coaching role, which was eventually filled by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Shaw played wide receiver at Stanford from 1991 to 1994 and became head coach in 2011, where he led the team for 12 seasons. His tenure included a 96-54 record, three Pac-12 championships, and two Rose Bowl victories. Shaw stepped down in 2022 after a series of tough seasons but remains highly respected in the football world.
Before his college coaching career, Shaw spent nine years in the NFL, working in offensive assistant roles with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. Most recently, he was a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos, gaining valuable front-office experience.
Shaw takes over for Tanner Engstrand, who was the Lions’ pass game coordinator for the last two seasons. His hiring strengthens the Lions’ coaching staff, bringing significant expertise in offensive strategy and player development. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions continue to build a strong NFC contender, and Shaw’s experience in both college and the NFL could prove crucial in refining their offensive game plan.
Dan Kubota ’27 is a Grind Columnist, A&L staff writer, and occasional lurker in News and Sports. You can talk to her about her sock collection, her thoughts on fruits and vegetables, and why “hitting big drum make loud noise fun.” Contact Dan at dkubota ‘at’ stanforddaily.com.
