The Detroit Lions have had a busy couple of weeks since losing in the divisional round to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Campbell immediately saw his top two coaches — Ben Johnson (offensive coordinator) and Aaron Glenn (defensive coordinator) leave for head coaching jobs.
After Johnson and Glenn left the Motor City, the Lions lost their defensive line coach, Terrell Williams. Williams joined Mike Vrabel’s staff in New England as the Patriots’ new defensive coordinator.
Thankfully, Campbell and the Lions’ front office have filled those voids. However, they must find another defensive coach before next season begins.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Lions have parted ways with assistant defensive line coach Cameron Davis. Davis has been with the organization for the last three seasons under this title after coming over from the collegiate ranks.
#Lions have moved on from assistant defensive line coach Cameron Davis, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 28, 2025
Davis has played a noticeable role in Detroit’s success on the defensive line over the last two years, which should not go unnoticed. In his first year with the club (2022), Davis helped Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston have outstanding rookie seasons, as they posted 9.5 and 8.0 sacks, respectively.
In 2023, Davis helped Hutchinson become one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL as he racked up 21 sacks through his first two seasons. This season, the Lions’ defensive line did not have the same success due to injury.
Detroit’s defense was ravaged by injury, but to Davis and Terrell Williams’ credit, they still found a way to get production out of this unit.
Za’Darius Smith, who was acquired ahead of November’s trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns, had four sacks in eight games. Before Hutchinson got hurt earlier in the season, he was on pace for another monster year, as he had 7.5 sacks through five games.
With Davis on his way out, the Lions have lost six coaches from this season. Campbell likely did not envision this much turnover after the 2024 season ended. However, when your team has a lot of success in a short period like Detroit changes should be expected.