David Shaw has been appointed as the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, marking his return to the NFL after a successful college coaching career. Shaw, 52, brings a wealth of experience from both collegiate and professional football, joining a retooled offensive staff under new offensive coordinator John Morton. He steps into this role following an impressive 2022 college season and a stint in the Denver Broncos' front office last year. The Lions, fresh from a record-setting 15-win season, have strengthened their coaching team with Shaw's strategic expertise.
Shaw's illustrious coaching journey began in the NFL in 1997 as an offensive quality control coach with the Philadelphia Eagles. He later served with the Baltimore Ravens as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach from 2002 to 2004 and as the wide receivers coach in 2005. His professional experiences laid a strong foundation for his subsequent success at Stanford University, where he served as head coach from 2011 to 2022. During his tenure, Shaw garnered four Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in college football.
In 2024, Shaw transitioned from coaching to a front-office role with the Denver Broncos, serving as a senior personnel executive. His diverse experiences across different facets of football operations have equipped him with unique insights that he now brings to the Lions. Notably, Shaw has familial ties to Detroit; his father, Willie Shaw, served as the Lions' defensive backs coach from 1985 to 1988.
Shaw's appointment also reunites him with Lions' star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, whom he coached at Georgia Tech from 2019 to 2021. This reunion is expected to bolster an already dynamic Lions offense. Alongside Shaw, Tashard Choice has joined the Lions as the new running backs coach, adding further depth to the revamped coaching lineup.
The Lions' strategic overhaul aims to build on their recent success, leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Shaw and Choice. The team's commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in these appointments, poised to propel them in the upcoming seasons.
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