Dolphins blocked from interviewing Lions assistant for QB coach job

The Miami Dolphins are still struggling to fill their quarterbacks coach position.

They originally hired former Denver Broncos head coach and former New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett for the role, but he left within a week to be the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. On Thursday night, they lost out on another preferred candidate when the Detroit Lions blocked them from interviewing offensive assistant Bruce Gradkowski.

Gradkowski — 43 years old — is a former NFL quarterback,

selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played for six teams during his 11-year career (Tampa Bay, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers). During his time in the league, he totaled 9,197 yards passing, 85 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.

Following his playing career, Gradkowski coached high school football until he was hired by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL and UFL as the organization’s offensive coordinator. Gradkowski moved to the Detroit Lions of the NFL in February of 2025.

The Dolphins will continue their search for a quarterbacks coach — a role that has become increasingly difficult to fill due to the uncertainty surrounding the position in Miami.