Per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Detroit Lions will hire Duce Staley as its new assistant head coach and running back coach. Staley was one of the longest-tenured assistants on the Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching staff, holding several positions since 2011.
However, this move should shock no one.
Reports surfaced that Staley was ready to leave the Eagles after he did not land its vacant head coach position. When the Eagles fired Doug Pederson, there was speculation that Staley would at least get serious consideration for the job.
Instead, the Eagles hired Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni. This was much to the chagrin of several Eagles players.
Since the departure of Barry Sanders in 1998, the Lions have not had a consistent rushing attack. Staley’s arrival doesn’t mean that.
After all, the 45-year-old ex-NFL player is not about to suit up.
Staley is a coach that has the respect of many players around the NFL. He has so much respect that there is a drill in his namesake at the NFL combine. “The Duce Staley Drill”, which works to enhance running backs’ footwork, and one can surmise that will be a “thing” in Allen Park.
With Lions’ rookie running back D’Andre Swift showcasing tons of potential this past season, Staley’s addition could prove to be the catalyst of elevating Swift’s game. Many credit him for his work with LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Ryan Matthew, Miles Sanders, and Jay Ajayi.
Staley, 45, is the fifth-leading rusher in the Eagles’ franchise history.
He will join a quickly growing coaching staff under new Lions head coach Dan Campbell. So far, the Lions have added Aaron Glenn as defensive coordinator. Along with that, reports are that Anthony Lynn will join as offensive coordinator, and Hank Fraley will return as the offensive line coach.
[…] So far, the Lions hired Anthony Lynn (offensive coordinator), Aaron Glenn (defensive coordinator), Duce Staley (Assistant head coach/running backs coach), and Dave Kipp (special teams coordinator). […]