The Detroit Lions are reportedly set to hire long-time NFL head coach John Fox as a senior defensive consultant.
Two years ago, the Detroit Lions formed a coaching staff with former players that would have made even a casual fan do a double take.
While the Lions offense was setting the league on fire with its proficiency last season, the defense had big issues.
On Tuesday, ESPN Carolina Panthers reporter David Newton reported the Lions would be bringing in yet another big name into their coaching staff. Former Panthers, Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears head coach John Fox is coming to Detroit as a senior defensive consultant.
Former Carolina, Chicago and Denver head coach John Fox appears headed to the Lions as a senior defensive consultant, per league source. Fox had a similar role with the Colts this past season.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) February 28, 2023
As Newton noted, Fox served as a senior defensive assistant with the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Lions add extensive experience with hire of John Fox
Over 16 combined seasons as a head coach, nine in Carolina (2002-2010), four in Denver (2011-2014) three in Chicago (2015-2017), Fox had a 133-123 regular season record with an 8-7 playoff mark.
Fox has an extensive defensive background, to put it mildly. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders (1994-1995) and the New York Giants (1997-2001).
Fox reached Super Bowls as the Panthers and Broncos head coach, as well as as the Giants defensive coordinator.
Perhaps more specific and pertinent for the Lions, Fox also had time as a NFL defensive backs coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1989-1991) and San Diego Chargers (1992-1993). Before that, he was a defensive backs coach at multiple colleges in the 1980s, with a year in the USFL as defensive backs coach for the Los Angeles Express in 1985.
The Lions pass defense was awful last season, plain and simple without diving into the ugliest numbers or citing the bad performers. Former Lions cornerback Dre’ Bly is coming in as the new cornerbacks coach to instill the skills and style he played with, but it will be his first NFL coaching job too.
So Fox will be an experienced hand on the side of the ball the Lions need it on most, with ample experience coaching the unit that needs the most help.