The Detroit Lions are searching for the perfect offensive coordinator to breathe life back into a once-explosive offense, and an unexpected option has volunteered for the role.
This week, ESPN's Dan Orlovsky appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and offered praise for the Lions. "I love Detroit, and I love the Lions organization. I would love to be the offensive coordinator," Orlovsky stated.
While it is nice to hear from the former backup quarterback, who was part of the organization in 2016, there should not be any consideration for the former signal-caller to take on that role in the Motor City.
It would make sense to consider a former Detroit quarterback if there was coaching experience or consistent ties to the organization. However, since leaving the league, all Orlovsky has done is establish himself as an ESPN personality. This isn't meant as a slight, but rather to point out the reality of zero coaching experience and how improbable an idea it is that you can directly go from the studio to leading one of the league's premier offenses.
Fans are understandably not embracing this potential fit, preferring a proven play-caller to step in and make the necessary offensive changes. If you hired Orlovsky, you'd be forcing head coach Dan Campbell to continue calling plays and putting too much on his plate due to Orlovsky's own inexperience. This makes it clear that the fit cannot be taken seriously and should be viewed as a former Lion voicing his desire to be part of an exciting core.
Ex-Lions QB Dan Orlovsky Not Serious Option for Vacant OC Position
With that said, it wouldn't be out of bounds for the Lions to consider bringing in the former quarterback in another role. If Orlovsky truly wants to transition to coaching, Detroit should allow the ESPN personality the chance to come in and work with the offense. Giving the former Lion that opportunity to work with the quarterbacks and the offense in training camp and see if there is any chance of a future fit is a no-lose scenario for Campbell and company.
Orlovsky unquestionably fits the league's shift towards younger offensive coaches with limited playing experience. It could be worth taking a flyer to see if the mentality and creativity are there for a potential future role. If the former quarterback stood out in camp, it would make sense to make it a long-term role as well if the analyst is serious about making a move to coaching.
Regardless, it is clear the Lions cannot take the quarterback's offer seriously when it comes to the offensive coordinator role. Detroit's focus needs to be on finding an established coach who can come in and take pressure off Campbell, simultaneously breathing life into what was an explosive offense. Until something like that happens, though, Orlovsky doesn't have the resume to suggest he can do the job.