Henning Hired as Detroit Offensive Coordinator

Dan Henning took calls from the Steelers, Broncos and Raiders, but Wednesday morning he decided to accept Detroit’s offer to become the Lions’ offensive coordinator.

Henning, who was fired as Charger head coach a few weeks ago, has been hired to scrap the run-and-shoot and rebuild the Lions’ offensive attack.

“I don’t think Wayne (Fontes) was ever completely enamored with the complete run-and-shoot package,” Henning said. “He’s wanted to move into the other direction, and that fit me.”

Henning, who has been known for putting together powerful running games, will now join forces with running back Barry Sanders.

“I watched a great deal of tape on him when I was in Detroit,” Henning said. “He’s something special.”

The Chargers’ running game, which was driven by Henning’s power-football philosophy, ranked second in the league this season. Although he was released as head coach, his work on offense did not go unnoticed around the league.

“Everybody I talked to had seen our tapes and they think we did a good job,” Henning said. “That’s a credit to the fact that the coaches and players hung together. And I think we had a sound approach, and we’re doing the best with what we had.”