John Fox returned to the NFL to work on Frank Reich‘s staff last year, but after that move preceded widespread Colts organizational change, the veteran coach is expected to head elsewhere.
The Lions are moving to hire the former head coach, David Newton of ESPN.com tweets. Fox’s HC stops did not involve Dan Campbell, but two crossed paths in New York. Fox was the Giants’ defensive coordinator for a few years during Campbell’s stay. The Lions are expected to bring Fox aboard as a senior defensive consultant, per Newton. He held a similar role with the Colts in 2022.
Planning to give DC Aaron Glenn an extension, the Lions will provide him with an experienced sounding board. Fox, 68, has worked as a head coach for the Panthers, Broncos and Bears and began his NFL tenure back in the late 1980s. Campbell began his 10-year run as an NFL tight end in 1999 and was with the Giants through the 2002 season. That overlapped with Fox’s time in the Big Apple; Fox helmed the Giants’ defense from 1997-2001.
Following Fox’s Bears firing, he spent a few years out of the league. The former Super Bowl-bound HC did not coach in the NFL from 2018-21, but the Colts brought him back prior to what turned out to be Reich’s final season with the team. Fox was part of Gus Bradley‘s defensive staff. Although Bradley is staying in Indianapolis, Fox will join Campbell’s staff.
Beyond Glenn, the Lions feature a few young coaches on their defensive staff. Recently retired linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is in charge of Detroit’s linebacking corps, with fellow recently retired linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton in place as his assistant. Dre’ Bly, who retired several years ago, will coach in the NFL for the first time next season. The former Lions cornerback is set to coach Detroit’s corners. Defensive line coach Brian Duker is in his first go-round as a position coach. Fox’s experience could be valuable for a Lions team attempting to shake off an inconsistent defensive season. The Lions ranked 28th in defensive DVOA last year.
i don’t want to throw rain on your parade so I’ll just say, Why? He hasn’t been relevant since Bush left office. Pick whichever Bush you want.
Broncos head coach??????? Like that run only started like 12 years ago
He won a Super Bowl in Obama’s second term.
He did not win one
My mistake. I totally forgot about Kubiak’s return. He still made it to a super bowl in Obama’s second term.
This is true
Lol
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s a recycle vagabond assistants at every level. Makes one wonder why outside of football, former players who likely spent five years in college aren’t prepared to be real players on the world streets.
Case in point, Twins assistant Ron Washington who was a pretty good spare player and doped up skipper of the Rangers, is lauded for his ability to turn rubber glovers into decent fielders. In the real world, he’d have to pee weekly to have a job.
Everything OK at home, man?
As a Ranger fan I just have too laugh
Hey Stan, I’m a senior that needs to pee 3x through the night so why aren’t I getting offers to be a coach?
You off your meds again?
Interesting hire.