Teryl Austin Is In Demand As a Head Coach
By Tony Fischer
Defense was a large part of the Detroit Lions success in 2014. The defense was nothing short of dominant this season and its the coaching of Teryl Austin that has made the difference.
With that success comes attention and that attention is focused solidly on defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who has suddenly become a hot commodity among teams looking for a new head coach this offseason.
Austin is expected to interview in Atlanta on Wednesday and San Francisco on Thursday. Fans should expect that list to grow as teams look for the next young up and coming head coach.
Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have his first head coaching interview w/Atlanta on Wed and then will meet with 49ers on Thurs
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 5, 2015
The attention is justified. Austin coached the Detroit Lions defense to a #2 ranking in 2014. 14 spots higher than in 2013 with relatively the same personnel.
What was the difference?
The Lions ran a more aggressive scheme this season. They weren’t afraid to use the blitz or to bring the safeties up to help stuff the run. The safeties were also more effective in defending the pass this season no doubt helped by the defensive lines ability to get to the quarterback. A defensive line the sacked the opposing quarterback 42 times this season, the 8th best mark in the league.
Fast Rise
If Teryl Austin were to get a head coaching job it would be a fast rise to power for the former defensive backs coach from Baltimore. 2014 was the first season as a coordinator for Teryl Austin after beginning hired by Jim Caldwell as he assembled his staff.
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Teryl Austin was a great hire as a coordinator but can he have the same success as a head coach. The lack of coaching experience from a coordinator or head coach level will be one of the questions prospective employers will be looking to answer.
Player Development
Teryl Austin has also been key in the development of the Lions younger defensive players. Second year players Ziggy Ansah and Darius Slay have made tremendous strides this season after being selected by the Lions in 2013. Defensive linemen George Johnson and CJ Mosely also took huge steps forward this season under Teryl Austin’s system.
It is hard to begrudge Teryl Austin his shot at being head coach, but his departure would be a huge loss for the Detroit Lions. After five years of fractured and disconnected play under head coach Jim Schwartz, Austin has got his defense playing well as a unit. Not to say that Jim Caldwell is incapable of making another great hire but the disruption in chemistry and the introduction of a new defensive scheme could set the Detroit Lions back in 2015.
Of course we wish all the best to Teryl Austin as he looks to forward his career. Selfishly though I hope his promotion to head coach is delayed at least until for a couple more seasons.
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