Detroit Lions: Strong staff provides hope for post-Stafford life

Offensive Coaches that the Detroit Lions just hired.

The Stafford news largely overshadowed Anthony Lynn’s hiring, but it is still a big one. Lynn is joining as the offensive coordinator after being the Chargers’ head coach and the offensive coordinator for Buffalo before that.

Lynn can help Dan Campbell learn the nuances of being a head coach. As a coach, Lynn does a great job with the rushing game. In Buffalo, he leads the best rushing offense in the league in yards, yards per attempt, and touchdowns, and in LA, Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler were dynamic dual threats out of the backfield.

The biggest plus for Lynn is the development of Justin Herbert in his rookie year. Herbert entered the league as a toolsy yet raw player but went on to have the best season of any rookie QB. Duce Staley is an exciting addition as a running backs coach and assistant head coach. Staley joins the Lions after spending the past 10 years as a coach for the Eagles following a 10-year career at running back.

Staley actually interviewed for the head coaching job for the Eagles after his success developing running backs. Under his tutelage, LeSean McCoy, Jay Ajayi, and more recently, Miles Sanders have all had great seasons. Along with the Lynn hiring, D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson should be licking their lips to work with this coaching staff.

Lynn and Staley should definitely provide a boost to the Lions’ uninspiring run game. With the expected drop-off in quarterback play, the run game will be needed to keep the Lions’ offense going. Plus, a good run game will take a lot of pressure off whatever young quarterback takes the Lions’ offense reigns.