The Detroit Lions faced a surprising defeat in the divisional round, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the Washington Commanders to a 45-31 victory that secured their spot in the NFC Championship, knocking out the NFC’s number-one seed. Adding to Detroit’s woes, the team lost two key coaches shortly after the season. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took on the same role with the New York Jets. Additionally, the Lions experienced further losses among position coaches during the coaching cycle.
Now, head coach Dan Campbell is focused on rebuilding his staff and has already begun making hires, according to a notable NFL insider. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that “Bucs run game coordinator/defensive line Kacy Rodgers is expected to join the (Lions) as defensive line coach, per sources. Detroit is replacing Terrell Williams, who became Patriots DC. Rodgers has been with Todd Bowles since 2015.”
#Bucs run game coordinator/defensive line Kacy Rodgers is expected to join the #Lions as defensive line coach, per sources.
Detroit is replacing Terrell Williams, who became Patriots DC. Rodgers has been with Todd Bowles since 2015. pic.twitter.com/QgYcDVSD45
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 23, 2025
Fans expressed their thoughts on the new hire via social media, with one saying, “Tampa had one of the best run defenses in the league the last couple of years. Great hire.” Another stated, “Lions are gonna handle their business,” while a third fan shared, “Going off the success of Tampa’s DL the last few years I’m happy about this hire.” Yet another fan commented, “SOLID pickup. That TB D Line has been solid for a while now, and young guys have progressed well under him. Excited for this one.” It will be intriguing to see what other hires are announced for Detroit in the near future.
