USA TODAY Sports
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is a former NFL player who has filled his staff with former NFL players.
The appointment of the broad reception coach, Antwaan Randle El, brings the score to eight former players with 90 seasons of experience among Detroit’s coaches for 2021.
Campbell – who caught 91 passes for 934 yards with 11 touchdowns during 11 pro seasons – said he did not intend to hire as many former players, but that’s how it worked out.
‘I honestly did not get into this thing and like to write it down on a notebook, but I’m not going to hire anything other than former players. It really did not occur to me, “said Campbell, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I said honestly, I have to find the best people who are the best coaches. How can I find an excellent character, but still be excellent coaches? And these are the names I came up with. ‘
Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, defense coordinator Aaron Glenn, assistant head coach / running coach Duce Staley, coach Mark Brunell, attacking line coach Hank Fraley and defense assistant Kelvin Sheppard round out the list of eight former players.
“There’s something to say about having a former NFL athlete playing the position, that you had to learn to adapt and adapt and go through the grind and that helped you do those things. , “Campbell said. “You were already some good players who had to adapt, and so I think that, that’s one element of it. They understand the athletes because they were at the highest level in their shoes. ”
The Lions should hope that all the playing experience can lead to positive results on the field for those who have to execute the game plans in 2021 and beyond.