The Detroit Lions will have a new look coaching staff in 2025. Coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have departed to become head coaches and several other staff members have either followed them to their new employers or sought larger roles with different teams.
This puts Dan Campbell in a tough position as he has to rebuild his coaching staff from scratch. While some names have been established elsewhere, other spots may require a gamble. For some fans, this feels like a blast from the past but it’s also an opportunity for a new coach to get their foot in the door.
The Lions present a great opportunity for a new coach as a franchise that has become a legitimate contender over the past two seasons. It’s led Detroit to go down unconventional paths to find new coaches and could lead them to take a chance on a former NFL star to bolster their staff.
Lions to Interview Former NFL Star Darren Sproles for Role on Coaching Staff
One of those gambles could come soon as Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247Sports reports the Lions will interview Darren Sproles for a role as an assistant on Dan Campbell’s staff. Zenitz reports that Sproles has garnered interest for running back roles with collegiate and NFL teams this offseason and has been a popular name during this year’s coaching cycle.
The #Lions are expected to interview ex-NFL star running back Darren Sproles for a role on their staff, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 6, 2025
Sproles, who is getting into coaching, has been a popular name this cycle. Has garnered interest for both college and NFL RB coach jobs.… pic.twitter.com/JfYbsVbVHK
Sproles’s playing career suggests this is a good gamble to take. The Kansas State product played 14 seasons in the NFL including stints with the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles. He ran for 3,552 yards and 23 touchdowns but was a dangerous receiver out of the backfield with 553 catches for 32 receiving touchdowns over his career.
With nine career kick returns for touchdowns, Sproles could also carry value to a special teams staff, but his hiring would come with some risk. The 41-year-old has spent the last five seasons as a personnel assistant with the Eagles dating back to 2020 and with no previous experience, there’s no guarantee that it would work out.
Then again, Sproles would likely be working with a strong group of running backs in Detroit. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery formed one of the most dangerous backfields in the NFL the past two seasons and running backs coach Duce Staley would be a great mind to learn from as a former Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sproles’ resume suggests he’s likely to get a coaching job somewhere but the Lions could be a landing spot if they decide to take the risk.