Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Detroit Lions Coaching Staff – Offense
Offensive Coordinator, Joe Lombardi – As offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi embarks on his second year as the voice in Matthew Stafford’s ear, it’s safe to say that there is at least some pressure on his shoulders.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions offense was lackluster at times in 2014, and although there were several bright spots, the unit as a whole lacked rhythm throughout the season.
The case can be made that expectations were rather high considering it was Lombardi’s first ever offensive coordinator gig, due to the situation he came from in New Orleans and the bloodline attached to his last name.
However you feel about Lombardi, this year will be the telling season. Now that the players have had a full year to learn the considerably large playbook and definitively long routes, look for this offense to step up their game in 2015.
Quarterbacks Coach, Jim Bob Cooter – If you weren’t familiar with the name Jim Bob Cooter prior to his hiring in Detroit last offseason, it was sure to bring out a chuckle the first time you heard or read about it. Hell, you may have even if you knew who he was.
Cooter’s hiring was one that was truthfully mocked initially — and not just because of his name. Cooter has a bizarre past that involves not only a DUI in 2006, but also the police and a women finding him in her bed in the middle of the night. There have been no further charges since 2009.
With the sketchy resume, there has to be a reason Detroit would take a chance on Cooter — and apparently there was. Lions GM Martin Mayhew had this to say of Cooter when asked why Detroit refused to let the former Tennessee Volunteer interview for a vacancy with the Chicago Bears this offseason:
"“He’s a phenomenal quarterbacks coach. He’s been around great quarterbacks, he played the position himself, he’s a great teacher. He has an understanding of what coach (Jim) Caldwell wants taught. He’s got a great relationship with those guys in that room. Very knowledgeable coach. Great guy to be around.”"
Next: Meet the Detroit Lions Coaching Staff - Offense (continued)