Mailbag: How alarming is the Lions’ defensive coaching staff turnover?
The Detroit Lions revealed their 2024 coaching lineup, which included a number of notable defensive-minded adjustments. The defensive line coach, secondary coach, cornerbacks coach (if the position is left open), and defensive assistant will all be new to the Lions for the upcoming season.
Even winning teams experience coaching turnover from time to time, but since Dan Campbell joined the Lions three years ago, the defense has seen significant changes. In the span of three seasons, Todd Wash, John Scott Jr., Mark DeLeone, Aubrey Pleasant, Brian Duker, and Dre Bly have all come and gone.
Contrast that with Detroit’s offensive line, which has only replaced Anthony Lynn, Duce
In contrast, Detroit has only replaced Duce Staley, Anthony Lynn, and the tight end coaches (who were promoted and thus did not require replacement) on the offensive side of the ball.
It goes without saying that the Lions’ offense has been strong while their defense has been awful. And you want a company that acknowledges that as well as acts upon it. But as the Lions approach the fourth year of their current regime, they still lack a defensive coaching staff that is up to par. Is that something to be worried about?
On this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, that is one of our main subjects. This is a portion of that discussion.
“Listen, you should make changes if something isn’t functioning properly, but for all the credit that
Although we give Dan Campbell a lot of credit for finding good coaches, I’m not sure if he’s done a great job on defense. Listen, if something’s not working, you should change it.
Erik Schlitt commented, “It seems like a big amount, but at the same time, they’re bringing in a couple more proven coaches instead of younger guys they were hoping to develop.” “So it appears that they have slightly changed their approach.”
And defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has kept his position, has to be held partially accountable at some point. The Lions undoubtedly improved their defense in 2023, becoming one of the league’s top run defenses. Additionally, they’ve had some In 2023, the Lions improved their defense and became one of the league’s top run defenses. On this side of the ball, they have also experienced some problems with general talent. However, it’s reasonable to wonder why some of the defensive problems are being attributed to the position coaches.
