Daily DLP: The OC Search Grows

The Lions OC Search Grows

Detroit is moving fast on the offensive coordinator search. The latest Daily DLP focuses on some recent interviews for the OC spot in Detroit. Zac Robinson interviewed in Allen Park on Thursday morning. He was the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator. Atlanta underachieved, but Robinson’s work with Bijan Robinson stood out. Bijan piled up almost 2,400 yards from scrimmage this year. Robinson balanced him with Allgeier. He understands a two-back system. That matters with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Robinson worked with Jared Goff in Los Angeles as an assistant quarterbacks coach. He comes from the McVay tree. That signals continuity for Detroit’s offense rather than a reset. He has called plays. He has coached wide receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends. Atlanta’s interior offensive line was strong and often overlooked. Robinson built around that strength. He navigated a season with Michael Penix and Kirk Cousins. Results were better with Cousins. The Lions need that kind of pragmatic design for Jared Goff, who shares a similar athletic profile. Robinson tailored calls to the quarterback. He used motion, spacing, and run-pass balance to keep structure intact and drives on schedule.

Kafka’s Creative Case

Mike Kafka interviewed Wednesday. He just served as the interim head coach of the New York Giants. One game against Detroit still resonates. With Jameis Winston at quarterback, the Giants pushed the Lions to the edge. Kafka leaned into trick plays and gimmicky blocking. He attacked known weaknesses in Detroit’s defense. That creativity landed.

Kafka trained in the Andy Reid system. There is crossover with McVay concepts. West Coast principles with an aggressive streak match what Ben Johnson often does. Kafka has worked with different quarterback styles. He developed a run game in New York without a good offensive line. He used a power option in Cam Scataboe and paired it with Tyrone Tracy, a capable receiving back. He darn near beat the Lions without Malik Nabers, Jackson Dart, or Cam Scataboe available. That adaptability fits what Detroit needs from an NFL coordinator: answers when pieces are missing, and a plan that highlights Gibbs and Montgomery while keeping Goff comfortable.

What Happens Next at Allen Park

The building is closed to media. There will be no access until draft time inside the media room. On-field views return at rookie minicamp in May. The timeline is tight, but the process is clear. Detroit is not changing its identity. The Lions are evolving it. Robinson offers continuity with proven play-calling. Kafka brings creative problem-solving and opponent-specific attack plans. Both align with how the Detroit Lions want to score and protect the ball. Now it is about selection, fit, and timing as the Detroit Lions and this NFL search move forward.

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Chris
Chris is the founder of everything you see here. A former radio presenter and Detroit native, he now resides in sunny California – and like so many of us, he found himself marooned on an island devoid of other Lions fans. After spending a few years in the Detroit Lions Reddit community he decided to start the Detroit Lions Podcast. Its become the #1 Detroit Lions podcast, and regularly ranks with the top podcasts in Detroit. With a mixture of pre-recorded shows, live & recorded phone-ins, and live post-game broadcasts - this is his slice of Honolulu Blue heaven.