The Dolphins have found their new quarterbacks coach in Nathaniel Hackett, but that wasn’t their only plan. Before landing on Hackett, Miami had its sights on another candidate: Lions offensive assistant Bruce Gradkowski.
According to reports, the Dolphins submitted a formal request to interview Gradkowski for the position. But the Lions, holding the cards here, declined.
Because the role in Miami would’ve been a lateral move - not a promotion - Detroit was within its rights to block the interview. And they did just that.
Gradkowski, a former NFL quarterback who logged 37 games and 20 starts across five teams - the Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Steelers - last played in the league in 2014. Since hanging up his cleats, he’s steadily built a coaching résumé.
Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2023-24 spring league season, before joining the Lions’ staff ahead of the 2025 campaign.
As for the Dolphins, they pivoted quickly. Hackett now joins head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive brain trust and new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s staff, bringing with him a wealth of NFL experience - both as a coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
While Gradkowski remains in Detroit, it’s clear his name is gaining traction in coaching circles. And if his rise continues, it may just be a matter of time before another opportunity comes knocking - one the Lions might not be able to turn down.