The Detroit Lions are making a bold move by adding a highly decorated offensive coach to Dan Campbell’s staff. Former Iowa State assistant head coach and running backs coach Tyler Roehl is set to join the Lions as an offensive assistant, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz on February 11, 2025.
Roehl boasts an impressive track record, having won seven FCS National Championships during his time at North Dakota State. At his alma mater, he held multiple roles, including graduate assistant, running backs and tight ends coach, and eventually offensive coordinator. After nearly a decade with the Bison from 2014 to 2023, he transitioned to Iowa State in 2024.
Tyler Roehl Joins Forces with New OC John Morton
The 39-year-old coach will now work under newly hired offensive coordinator John Morton, who replaces Ben Johnson after Johnson took the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears. Morton arrives from the Denver Broncos, where he served as passing game coordinator, but previously worked with the Lions in 2022 as a senior offensive assistant.
The Lions have also strengthened their offensive staff by hiring former Stanford head coach David Shaw as passing game coordinator and ex-NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski as an offensive assistant. Gradkowski previously led the offense for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL/UFL for two seasons.
Roehl’s Success at Iowa State and North Dakota State
During Roehl’s lone season at Iowa State, the Cyclones posted an impressive 11-3 record, reached the Big 12 Championship Game, and secured a victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. His departure marks the second consecutive year that an offensive coordinator from Matt Campbell’s staff has made the leap to the NFL, following Nate Scheelhaase’s move to the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.
Prior to his Iowa State tenure, Roehl orchestrated one of the most dominant offenses in FCS history at North Dakota State. In 2023, his Bison offense averaged 38.1 points per game, ranking third nationally. Under his leadership, NDSU led the FCS in rushing yards (3,560), rushing touchdowns (47), and total touchdowns (74). Over five seasons as offensive coordinator, Roehl’s teams consistently ranked among the top rushing offenses, producing five FCS All-Americans and 11 all-conference honorees.
A Former Star Running Back with NFL Ties
A native of West Fargo, North Dakota, Roehl was an All-American running back at North Dakota State. As the Bison’s starting running back, he racked up 1,431 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2007, followed by a 1,053-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2008.
He briefly pursued an NFL career, signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009. However, an ACL injury during offseason workouts derailed his chances. He later attended a rookie camp with the Minnesota Vikings but ultimately saw his playing career cut short.
Roehl pivoted to coaching in 2010, starting as a running backs coach at Concordia College in Minnesota before returning to North Dakota State. After a short stint coaching high school football in Moorhead, Minnesota, he rejoined the Bison in 2014 as a tight ends and fullbacks coach, setting the stage for his rise through the coaching ranks.
Now, with a proven track record of developing high-powered offenses, Roehl brings his expertise to the Lions, adding another championship-caliber mind to Detroit’s evolving staff.
