Former Packers DC Dom Capers gets coaching gig with another rival

After spending a year with the Vikings, Dom Capers’ NFC North tour continues.

Capers is entering his 47th years of coaching, and the veteran defensive mind will play a pivotal role in rebuilding the Detroit Lions system from the top-down. Perhaps most know recently as the longtime (2009-17) defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, Capers is taking more of a backseat role to new Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Co.

While his zone blitz scheme is well-renowned in the league today, it took the NFL by storm in the mid-2000’s. Aaron Glenn will be tasked with creating a formidable 3-4 scheme for this group, but perhaps he could employ some of Caper’s strengths if necessary on obvious passing downs.

The Lions rebuild is only in its infancy

The Lions admitted defeat by getting rid of Matt Patricia, and they’re also shopping longtime quarterback Matthew Stafford in hopes of picking up another first-round pick to full embrace a youth movement under Campbell. This is why adding veteran coaching minds like Capers is so important to help steer in the right direction.

The Lions, in particular, highlighted Capers’ success with the Packers: “From 2009-17 Capers served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Under Capers’ guidance during that span, the Packers ranked first in the NFL in interceptions (176), second in takeaways (243), fourth in sacks (365.0) and allowed the league’s ninth-fewest points per game (21.5),” Detroit noted in a statement.

Capers is 70 years old, and as he nears retirement is taking on lesser management roles in hopes of capping an impressive NFL coaching career the right way.