The Miami Dolphins are in the market for a new quarterbacks coach, and they’ve set their sights on a rising name in coaching circles: Bruce Gradkowski. But the Detroit Lions aren’t letting him go that easily.
According to reports, the Dolphins submitted a request to interview Gradkowski for the position, only for the Lions to block it - a move that speaks volumes about how highly Detroit values his presence on their staff. Inside the Lions’ facility, Gradkowski is viewed as a coach on the rise, someone whose football mind is earning trust and attention.
And it’s easy to see why.
Gradkowski, 43, brings a unique blend of NFL experience and coaching versatility. He spent eight seasons as a quarterback in the league, suiting up for the Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Steelers. That kind of journeyman background often translates well to coaching, especially when it comes to mentoring quarterbacks - he’s seen the league from every angle, both as a starter and a backup, and knows what it takes to survive in the NFL’s most demanding position room.
His coaching journey started at the grassroots level in 2017, working with high school players before moving up to the college ranks as an offensive assistant at Toledo in 2022. A year later, he was calling plays as the offensive coordinator for the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, where he spent two seasons fine-tuning his approach in a pro-style system.
That led to his current role with the Lions, who brought him on as an offensive assistant last offseason. Now, with Detroit’s offensive staff undergoing a bit of a reshuffle under new coordinator Drew Petzing, Gradkowski could be in line for a bigger role - which might help explain why the Lions weren’t willing to entertain Miami’s request.
For the Dolphins, the search continues. But for Gradkowski, the blocked interview is just another sign that his coaching stock is trending up. Whether it’s in Detroit or elsewhere down the line, it feels like only a matter of time before he gets his shot to lead a quarterback room - and maybe even more.