3 Detroit Lions who won’t be back in 2023 and why

Lions rumors: Duce Staley’s time has come

Duce Staley has done a great job mentoring the Lions running backs as well as serving as a leader. He’s Detroit’s assistant head coach for a reason. As a running backs coach, it’s tough to argue with his results, as Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift have become an electric 1-2 punch.

With the number of offensive coordinator jobs expected to be open this offseason, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Staley get a chance at calling plays, should he be interested.

If anything, the Lions should be relieved if the offseason ends and Ben Johnson as well as Aaron Glenn remain on the coaching staff. Both could very well be head coach candidates in a year or two, tops, assuming Detroit’s ascension continues.

Staley is beloved by his players, and would be an immediate leader of men in any offensive coaching meetings. The only question that remains is how productive he would be as a play-caller. It shouldn’t be considered a surprise if some team gives him that chance.