Detroit Lions Hire Former Offensive Lineman to Coaching Staff

Dan Skipper, a popular player known for a controversial call, joins Dan Campbell's coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Detroit Lions have hired former offensive lineman Dan Skipper to their coaching staff, just weeks after he retired from the NFL. Skipper became a cult hero in Detroit after a controversial call against the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, where officials incorrectly believed he had not reported properly. Fans at Ford Field would cheer loudly whenever Skipper reported as eligible. After retiring, Skipper coached offensive linemen and tight ends at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Why it matters

Skipper's hiring represents the Lions' commitment to bringing in familiar faces and fan favorites to their coaching staff. His popularity with the fanbase and experience as a player could help him connect with the current roster and provide valuable insight as a coach.

The details

Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the veteran offensive lineman Skipper expressed that a medical injury would likely prevent him from playing further in the NFL. In a 2023 game against the Dallas Cowboys, officials incorrectly believed that veteran Taylor Decker, not Skipper, had not reported properly on a two-point conversion attempt, wiping out the score. This controversial call turned Skipper into a cult hero in Detroit, with fans cheering loudly whenever he reported as eligible.

  • In 2023, officials incorrectly believed Skipper had not reported properly against the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Following the 2025 season, Skipper retired from the NFL due to a medical injury.
  • In early 2026, the Detroit Lions hired Skipper to their coaching staff.

The players

Dan Skipper

A former offensive lineman who recently retired from the NFL and has now been hired to the Detroit Lions' coaching staff. Skipper became a cult hero in Detroit after a controversial call against the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who expressed frustration over the controversial call against the Cowboys that involved Skipper.

Taylor Decker

A veteran offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions who was incorrectly believed to have not reported properly on the two-point conversion attempt against the Cowboys in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“It just goes to show that when you roll with Detroit, there's no place better to be. It's one of those really special places that has been beaten down and thought of as a certain way, but you get here and it's not like that.”

— Dan Skipper (ESPN)

“I think more than anything it just makes you mad, that's about it. But all good. If you're a fan, that was a heck of a game, I know that.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions (CBS Detroit)

What’s next

The Lions will look to Skipper's experience and connection with the fanbase to help develop their offensive line and tight end groups.

The takeaway

Skipper's hiring represents the Lions' commitment to bringing in familiar faces and fan favorites to their coaching staff, as they look to build on the team's recent success and continue to connect with the passionate Detroit fanbase.