Detroit Lions hire former Super Bowl winner as offensive coordinator
The Detroit Lions have found their new offensive coordinator. And it’s a Super Bowl winner who had an infamous championship moment against Matt Patricia.
Following a disappointing 6-10 record last season, the Detroit Lions needed an injection of energy when it came to their offense. Most believed that change was going to be made at the offensive coordinator position. And they were right as the Lions parted ways with their former OC, Jim Bob Cooter, earlier this month.
Evev since, the search for his replacement has been underway. And after a couple weeks of speculation about numerous possible candidates, Detroit has finally found their man.
On Wednesday, the Lions announced the hiring of Darrell Bevell as their new offensive coordinator. The 49-year old has been out of coaching for the past year and is now returning to attempt to revive a passing offense in the Motor City that disappeared under Cooter in 2018. Having quarterback Matthew Stafford in his prime under center was likely an attractive incentive.
Bevell will also inherit and up-and-coming rushing attack led by 2018 rookie running back Kerryon Johnson and a loaded offensive line that includes two of the Lions’ first-round selections in the past three years in left tackle Taylor Decker (2016) and left guard Frank Ragnow (2018).
As the former offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2011-2017, Bevell help to led the Emerald City to two championship appearances, winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos, 43-8, following the 2013 NFL regular season.
Bevell has an interesting history with Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia as his Seahawks lost Super Bowl XLIX on a last-second interception to a Patricia-led New England Patriots’ defense.
A former NFC North coach, Bevell was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010. He also spent time with the Green Bay Packers from 2000-2005 as an assistant and the quarterbacks’ coach.
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Darrell Bevell’s experience grooming Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson as well as Seattle’s ability to run the football behind running back Marshawn Lynch bodes well for what this new offensive coordinator may bring to the Motor City in 2019.