The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff has seen significant departures since their NFL playoff elimination.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have both secured head coaching positions with other teams, while defensive line coach Terrell Williams has left to become the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
However, the Lions seem to be moving quickly to fill these vacancies. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers run game coordinator and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers is expected to take over as the Lions’ new defensive line coach.
Rodgers appears well-suited to address two key issues from the Lions’ defensive line last season: their struggles against the run and lack of sacks. Detroit allowed 4.5 yards per carry, ranking 11th-worst in the league, and recorded just 37 sacks, placing them 10th-worst.
Under Rodgers, the Buccaneers excelled in these areas. In 2022, Tampa Bay ranked ninth in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.3) and improved to eighth in 2023 (3.8). They also tallied 46 sacks, ranking seventh in the league, with a strong pressure rate of 24.3%, which complemented the Lions’ defensive strengths.
While replacing the departing coaching talent won’t be easy, hiring Rodgers seems like a strong first step for the Lions.
