Report: The Miami Dolphins have hired the defensive backs coach from the Detroit Lions.
ALLEN PARK — After playing for the Detroit Lions for the previous three seasons, Brian Duker is moving to South Beach. Duker will be the Miami Dolphins’ pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, according to NFL Network.
Deshea Townsend, a defensive assistant, was recently hired by the Lions to oversee the pass game and coach the cornerbacks. This past season, Dré Bly coached the cornerbacks for the Lions, while Duker oversaw the defensive backs. Terrell Williams is being hired as the new coordinator of the run game and defensive line coach. What Bly’s future and that of defensive line coach John Scott Jr. are still up in the air.
In 2022, Duker transitioned from his position as defensive assistant to that of safeties coach. Overseeing the secondary last year, he assumed more responsibility. Now, he’s headed to Miami for what appears to be an even bigger role.
Before joining Dan Campbell’s first staff in Detroit, he was a coach for the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens.
Over the course of the last three seasons, there have been numerous adjustments and setbacks for the secondary. Once more, the team is anticipated to place a high priority on outside cornerback this offseason.
To address that last season, they added cornerbacks Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. After a belated return, Moseley played just two snaps before suffering another ACL injury that ended his season. Sutton provided inconsistent results, but he was there at every turn. In the second half of the season, Kindle Vildor took Moseley’s place in the starting lineup, leaving Jerry Jacobs in place.
If Brian Branch keeps up the pace he did this year, he should be among the league’s best nickelbacks for many years to come. From training camp to the end of the season, the rookie, who started on the first day, changed the backfield for the team.
A further encouraging development is Ifeatu Melifonwu’s safe emergence. Although Melifonwu wasn’t included in the starting lineup until much later in the season, he made a significant impact as one of the key players towards the end. Throughout his first two seasons, Kerby Joseph has been another important component. However, Tracy Walker’s future in Detroit appears uncertain, so there might be space for a late addition.
The Lions’ offseason is just getting started, so
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