The Detroit Lions have officially welcomed Bruce Gradkowski to Dan Campbell’s coaching staff. A former NFL quarterback and UFL offensive coordinator, Gradkowski has spent the last two seasons leading the offense for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Gradkowski’s NFL Journey
Before transitioning to coaching, Gradkowski enjoyed a career as an NFL quarterback. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 draft, he earned the nickname “The Great Gradkowski” as a rookie. That season, he took over as the starter in Week 5 after Chris Simms suffered an injury. Despite finishing with a 3-8 record, he set an NFL record for the longest gap between his first and second career interceptions, throwing 200 passes before his second pick.
After being waived by the Buccaneers in 2008, Gradkowski spent the next eight seasons in the NFL, playing for the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
UFL Success Leads to NFL Opportunity
As the Battlehawks’ offensive coordinator and play-caller, Gradkowski orchestrated one of the UFL’s top offenses. Despite an abbreviated eight-game season, quarterback A.J. McCarron ranked third in the league with 1,581 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Running back Jacob Saylors, an All-UFL honoree, led all running backs in rushing yards and finished second in rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 152 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 24 catches.
Beyond Saylors, Gradkowski’s offense produced three more All-UFL selections: wide receiver Hakeem Butler, offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith, and center Mike Panasiuk.
Lions’ Revamped Offensive Staff
Gradkowski’s wealth of NFL experience as a quarterback, combined with his success as a play-caller, makes him a valuable asset to Campbell’s retooled offensive staff. He will work closely with new offensive coordinator John Morton as part of a group that blends fresh hires with returning staff.
The Lions’ offensive staff features running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, all of whom are returning for another season. Among the new additions is former NFL wide receiver David Shaw, hired as the team’s passing game coordinator. Shaw brings extensive playing, coaching, and front-office experience to the Lions.
Despite losing multiple assistants to other teams this offseason, Campbell has constructed an impressive new staff. Known for his aggressive playcalling, “Gambling Dan” will continue to push the envelope, keeping defenses on edge with fourth-down conversions and creative trick plays. With quarterback Jared Goff’s accuracy and the dominant rushing duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit’s offense remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous units.
Campbell’s first UFL addition, kicker Jake Bates, has already proven to be a key asset. Now, with Gradkowski joining the staff, the Lions are banking on another UFL acquisition to make a significant impact.
