Breaking: Sheila Ford Hamp, the owner of Detroit Lion, and her husband have officially filed for divorce.
Deshea Townsend has already spoken with his new students, but the Lions’ pass defense will need to improve significantly.
After yet another disappointing campaign, the Detroit Lions have announced the departure of their pass defense coordinator. Deshea Townsend will assume the role of defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Dre’ Bly, the cornerbacks coach, was fired after just one season in that role, while former defensive backs coach Brian Duker departed to join the Miami Dolphins.
Townsend spent the majority of his 11 NFL seasons as a cornerback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to starting his coaching career in 2011, he worked as the passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the previous two seasons.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this week at the NFL Combine that Townsend is “going to be able to deliver just what AG needs on the back end.”
According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Glenn was one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks for a little period of time, and Townsend had long idolized him.
Townsend is in the process of assembling an extensive roster of the guys he is taking on. In addition, he is evaluating draft prospects and upcoming free agents as the Lions’ eyes modify the cornerback depth chart.
Deshea Townsend sends an instant message to new students.
Townsend had his first meeting with the Lions beat writers this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Through Rogers, he was able to deliver a direct message to his new students in the Detroit secondary.
“You won’t play if you won’t tackle,” said Townsend. That is the only thing involved. If anything is on the tape, you cannot play or tackle it. Ultimately, what I’m searching for are people who are willing to initiate contact and don’t back down.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions’ defense had the fifth-worst tackling grade in the NFL the previous season. That’s not totally on the secondary, of course, but it’s clear that Townsend wants his team to play a key role in implementing the required changes.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (subscription required) notes that Townsend obviously wants to foster a culture of competition in which individuals are always having to demonstrate their value.
“As soon as I get into the room, I tell the young players that you have to take on the role of the starters and hold off on the starts. And that’s how coaching operates, too. You have to put yourself out there every day and make sure you’re doing your best whenever possible. They would be held to the same standards of excellence that I hold myself.
Townsend’s experience as a player and coach may hold the secret to enhancing the Lions’ pass defense. All things considered, he seems to be a fantastic fit for Campbell’s coaching staff.
