The Detroit Lions have wasted no time in finding a replacement for Terrell Williams, who recently left to become the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are hiring Kacy Rodgers as their new defensive line coach.
Rodgers brings significant experience, having spent the last six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He served as their defensive line coach for three years before adding the role of run game coordinator for the last three seasons. Tampa Bay’s defensive line success, particularly in the run game, is a testament to his coaching abilities.
In 2020, Rodgers earned the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year award, a prestigious honor voted on by NFL coaches. This season, the Buccaneers tied for sixth in sacks (46) and ranked fourth in run defense, allowing just 97.8 yards per game.
Assuming Rodgers takes on the same title Williams held with the Lions—defensive line coach and run game coordinator—it will be a lateral move after his contract with the Buccaneers expired.
The 55-year-old Rodgers began his coaching career at the collegiate level in 1994 and has been in the NFL since 2003. Most of his professional career has been spent coaching defensive lines, although he also served as defensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018.
Kacy Rodgers Shares a Coaching History with Dan Campbell
Rodgers’ first NFL coaching position was with the Dallas Cowboys in 2003 under head coach Bill Parcells. At that time, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was a tight end for the Cowboys.
Later, Rodgers joined the Miami Dolphins as defensive line coach from 2008 to 2014. Campbell started his coaching career with the Dolphins in 2010 as an intern before being promoted to tight ends coach and later serving as interim head coach in 2015.
Given his connection to Campbell, Rodgers was considered a potential candidate to replace Aaron Glenn as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. He also interviewed for the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line coach position and was reportedly in high demand.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport described the market for Rodgers’ services as “robust.” While Lions head coach Dan Campbell is known for taking his time in hiring coordinators, he moved quickly to secure Rodgers, likely his top candidate, to replace Williams. Rodgers’ decision to join the Lions reflects his connection to Campbell and his desire to work with him again.
