Just in: Reasons why Lions add Jim O’Neil to staff as John fox leaves

Lions add Jim O’Neil to staff as John fox leaves 

The Lions are undergoing changes in their defensive coaching staff, including the return of former defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil to the NFL. O’Neil, who has been out of the league since the 2020 season, will join the Detroit team as

a defensive assistant. The 45-year-old coach recently served as Northwestern’s defensive coordinator for two seasons but was last in the professional ranks as the Raiders’ defensive backs coach under

Jon Gruden. O’Neil is most notably recognized in the NFL for ascending to the coordinator position with the Browns and 49ers during the 2010s. He initially rose to the defensive coordinator role

with the Browns under Mike Pettine, later transitioning to the same position with the 49ers. However, his tenure with the 49ers was short-lived after the team finished with a 2-14 record in 2016 and

opted to part ways with him amidst a coaching transition. Following his departure from the NFL, O’Neil experienced a setback when Northwestern relieved him of his duties

after the 2022 season, marked by a disappointing 1-11 record for the Wildcats. The connection between Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and

O’Neil from their time together in Cleveland has facilitated this opportunity for O’Neil to make a comeback in the NFL.

Furthermore, the team seems to be parting ways with John Fox, as reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Fox, a three-time NFL head coach, is no

longer associated with the NFC North champions. He joined the Lions for just one season, having been appointed as a senior defensive consultant the previous year. It appears that Jim O’Neil will be

assuming a similar role. At 69 years old, Fox had served on the Colts’ staff in 2022, making a return to the league following a five-year absence.

In addition, the team has allowed the contract of senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler to expire, according to Birkett. Hostler, a former offensive coordinator

for the 49ers, has been in the NFL since 2000. After spending three years on Ron Rivera’s Washington staff, the 57-year-old

assistant relocated to Detroit. Additionally, it seems that former Lions cornerback Dre’Bly is no longer part of the coaching setup, as noted by Justin

Rogers of the Detroit News. Bly, who lacked previous NFL coaching experience, was hired as the cornerbacks coach by the Lions last year.

With the departure of defensive backs coach Brian Duker, who has accepted a position with the Dolphins, the Lions have brought in a new figure to oversee

their secondary. Deshea Townsend, a former stalwart with the Steelers, was

hired following his departure from the Jaguars last month. The Lions officially confirmed on Wednesday that Townsend will serve as their defensive backs coach.

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