The Detroit Lions are promoting from within to fill the open spot on their staff, with Steve Oliver taking over as tight ends coach.
Oliver has been with the Lions since Dan Campbell took over as head coach back in 2021. He’s served as the assistant offensive line coach for the last three seasons, previously working as an offensive quality control coach. NFL Network was the first to report the news of Oliver’s promotion.
Tyler Roehl coached the team’s tight ends last season. But he left to take the offensive coordinator position at Iowa State after one season in Detroit.
Oliver played college ball at the University of San Diego, crossing paths with Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley in 2012. He joined Idaho’s coaching staff after his playing career ended. Oliver served a variety of roles for the school as an offensive assistant, tight ends coach and even director of operations.
He’s been credited as a face behind the scenes here throughout the last couple of years. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson credited Oliver and J.T. Barrett for having a creative voice when it came to tweaking plays or presenting new ideas.
When speaking about his continued development, offensive tackle Giovanni Manu said it blew his mind that Oliver wasn’t talked about more. Manu said Oliver was the coach who worked behind the scenes with the younger players before and after practices.
Detroit’s tight end room features Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, with Zach Horton and Thomas Gordon signed to futures deals. Shane Zylstra, Anthony Firkser and Giovanni Ricci are free agents heading into the offseason.
LaPorta and Wright ended the season on injured reserve. Wright suffered a trachea injury and wasn’t able to return down the stretch. LaPorta underwent back surgery, and while his status is uncertain, he and the Lions are hopeful he’ll be back by training camp. He’s the leader of the room who has quickly developed into one of the league’s top pass-catching tight ends.
The 24-year-old enters the final year of his rookie deal after catching 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. He had at least 60 catches, 725 yards and seven touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
Oliver’s promotion represents the latest staff movement in Detroit. The Lions previously hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator after parting ways with John Morton. And former New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka will join the offensive coaching staff.