The Detroit Lions have experienced a rapid turnover in their coaching staff following their playoff elimination.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have both secured head coaching positions with other teams.
Defensive line coach Terrell Williams has also moved on to become the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
Fortunately, it appears the Lions are already in the process of replacing their departing coaches, with reports indicating they have found one replacement.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers run game coordinator and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers is expected to become the Lions’ next defensive line coach.
If the goal is to address some of the defensive line’s most pressing issues from last season, Rodgers seems like an excellent choice.
The Lions ranked 11th-worst in the league for yards per carry allowed, surrendering 4.5 yards per attempt. They also ranked 10th-worst in sacks with just 37.
Both of these issues are closely linked to the defensive line.
Rodgers’ Buccaneers were ranked 9th in yards allowed per carry at 4.3, and in 2023 they improved to 8th, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry.
The Bucs’ sack numbers were similarly impressive, finishing 7th in the league with 46 sacks.
They also posted a solid pressure rate, one of the strengths of the Lions’ defense this past season. The Bucs finished 9th in the NFL with a pressure rate of 24.3%.
Replacing the talent they’ve lost from the coaching staff won’t be easy for the Lions, but hiring Rodgers seems like a promising first step.
