The Detroit Lions, after a promising 2023 season that saw them reach the postseason for the first time in six years, now find themselves facing a crucial offseason decision: improving their defense. While their offense was one of the NFL’s best, ranking as high as third in the league for much of the year, their defense held the team back, ranking 28th in total yards allowed. Despite the Lions’ playoff run, it was clear that for them to take the next step into true Super Bowl contention, they needed a defensive overhaul. That starts with a new defensive coordinator.
Here are six names to watch as potential candidates to take over Detroit’s defense, each bringing a unique skill set and potential to improve the Lions’ defensive performance.
1. Sean Desai – Current Eagles Defensive Coordinator
Sean Desai has made a name for himself in the NFL as a strategic and methodical defensive coordinator. Before his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Desai was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2021 and served in various roles on the Bears’ staff since 2013. Desai is known for his innovative defensive schemes and his ability to adapt his defense to the strengths and weaknesses of his personnel. The Eagles’ defense under Desai was highly effective in 2023, featuring a solid secondary and aggressive pass rush.
Desai’s approach emphasizes disguising coverages and being versatile, both of which could significantly benefit a Lions defense that needs a bit of retooling. Under Desai, the Eagles were able to remain competitive despite losing key players to injury, suggesting that he is a strong motivator and a coach who can get the most out of his players.
Why He’s a Fit: Desai has a proven track record of success in a competitive NFC, and his ability to coach up a secondary while maintaining a consistent pass rush could be the perfect match for the Lions. His focus on maximizing player potential and adjusting schemes could be what the Lions need to elevate their defense to the next level.
2. Brian Flores – Senior Defensive Assistant, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brian Flores was a rising star as a defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins before being let go in 2021. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach, where he has continued to hone his skills and keep his profile high in the coaching ranks. Known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy style, Flores helped turn around the Steelers’ defense, particularly in creating pressure and forcing turnovers.
Flores has shown a knack for maximizing talent and instilling a sense of discipline and accountability on his defenses. He is particularly known for his success in managing defensive fronts and crafting creative blitzes that make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. While the Lions have some solid pieces in place with their pass rush, they could benefit from Flores’ ability to create confusion for opposing offenses.
Why He’s a Fit: Flores has demonstrated an ability to quickly turn around struggling defenses, and his aggressive mentality could be a great fit for a Lions team that’s in need of an identity on that side of the ball. With the right talent, his approach could elevate Detroit’s defensive line and secondary.
3. Jim Schwartz – Former Eagles Defensive Coordinator
Jim Schwartz has a long history in the NFL as both a defensive coordinator and head coach, and his success as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2020 speaks for itself. Under Schwartz, the Eagles’ defense was known for its aggressive play and ability to generate pressure. His schemes often feature a heavy pass rush and a defense that swarms to the ball. Schwartz is a coach who brings a lot of energy and is very much a “no-nonsense” leader, something that could appeal to a Lions team looking for a change in culture on defense.
Schwartz’s defenses have always been built around a strong front seven, and with players like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston in place, the Lions could benefit greatly from his experience in building up defensive lines that create havoc in the backfield.
Why He’s a Fit: Schwartz has a proven ability to elevate defenses and produce consistently strong units. Given his familiarity with NFC teams and his no-frills approach to coaching, he could provide the Lions with the defensive identity they need to complement their high-flying offense. He’s also a former head coach, so he brings a wealth of leadership experience.
4. Vic Fangio – Senior Defensive Consultant, Miami Dolphins
Vic Fangio is one of the most respected defensive minds in football, and his reputation for running elite defenses precedes him. After serving as the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019 to 2021, Fangio joined the Miami Dolphins as a senior defensive consultant in 2022. Known for his “Fangio defense,” which emphasizes zone coverage, aggressive pass rushes, and eliminating big plays, Fangio has consistently fielded top-tier defenses throughout his career.
What makes Fangio an intriguing candidate for the Lions is his ability to craft defenses that adapt to the strengths of his players. He’s a master of disguising coverages and creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks, which would be an ideal fit for the Lions, who need to improve their pass defense. His time in Miami has shown that he is still a highly sought-after commodity, and he could help take the Lions’ defense from below-average to elite.
Why He’s a Fit: Fangio’s defensive acumen and ability to adapt to his players’ strengths could bring immediate results for the Lions. While his defenses are typically based on a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, his schemes are known for generating turnovers and forcing critical mistakes from opposing offenses.
5. Kris Richard – Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, New Orleans Saints
Kris Richard is an experienced defensive coach with a reputation for his work with secondaries and his ability to maximize cornerbacks’ potential. After serving as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 to 2020, Richard joined the New Orleans Saints in 2022 as their defensive pass game coordinator. Richard is a well-regarded coach in the NFL, particularly for his ability to develop cornerbacks and other defensive backs. The Saints’ defense, under his leadership, has been consistently one of the better pass defenses in the NFL.
What makes Richard a strong candidate for the Lions is his ability to bring structure to a secondary and maximize talent. Detroit’s defense is built around young, athletic players who could benefit from Richard’s guidance. The Lions have a solid secondary, but there’s room for growth, and Richard could provide the kind of instruction that leads to more turnovers and better coverage on the back end.
Why He’s a Fit: With the Lions needing improvement in their secondary, Richard’s experience as a defensive backs coach makes him an ideal candidate. His work with young defensive backs and ability to instill discipline could help Detroit shore up one of their biggest weaknesses.
6. Don Martindale – Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants
Don Martindale, better known as “Wink,” is known for his aggressive and attacking style of defense. As the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Martindale’s defenses are known for their heavy use of blitzes and a philosophy of attacking quarterbacks. His defenses often play with a high level of energy and physicality, which could be exactly what the Lions need to take the next step defensively.
Martindale’s defenses are built around creating chaos. He doesn’t mind taking risks, and his blitz-heavy schemes have often been able to overwhelm opposing quarterbacks. If the Lions want to increase their pass-rush effectiveness and create turnovers, Martindale’s philosophy could be an excellent fit. Additionally, his ability to work with limited talent and still produce results speaks to his coaching ability.
Why He’s a Fit: The Lions have a solid pass rush, and Martindale’s aggressive defensive style could make it even more dangerous. His willingness to take calculated risks could help Detroit generate more pressure on quarterbacks, something that was often missing in their defense this past season.
.
Leave a Reply