Feb. 11, 2026, 12:30 p.m. ET

Fan favorite Dan Skipper is coming home. Per a report from CBS Detroit’s Rachel Hopmayer, the Detroit Lions are hiring Skipper to its coaching staff.

Skipper recently announced his retirement on Jan. 22 after playing in 69 games over the course of his NFL career. The Arkansas alum made 16 starts with the Lions and caught a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills in 2024.

After his retirement, Skipper coached in last month’s East-West Shrine Bowl.

Skipper’s role with the franchise is unclear at the moment. But, the Lions are reportedly promoting assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to tight ends coach. Oliver would replace tight ends coach Tyler Roehl, who left to take over as Iowa State’s offensive coordinator.

Assistant Lions tight ends coach Seth Ryan recently departed to take over as the New York Jets‘ passing game coordinator.

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Skipper will join an offense led by new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and Mike Kafka, the Giants‘ former interim head coach and offensive coordinator who was hired in a high-ranking offensive position.

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