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Tag: Lions

  • The Lions desired new TE coach is staying with the Jaguars


    As the Detroit Lions look to fill some vacancies on the coaching staff, they have hit a snag in replacing tight ends coach Steve Heiden. The man the Lions wanted to at least interview for Heiden’s position is no longer available.

    Per Ian Rapoport, the Lions asked the Jacksonville Jaguars for permission to interview their tight ends coach, Richard Angulo. However, the Jaguars rebuffed the advance and instead signed Angulo to a contract extension to stay in Jacksonville.

    Angulo has been the Jaguars’ TE coach for the last three seasons, including the joint practices between the two teams in the 2023 training camp in Detroit. The 44-year-old Angulo was an NFL tight end for several years and has been coaching for the last decade.

     

    The Lions will now move onto other candidates to replace Heiden, who left after one season to become the offensive line coach of the New York Jets under head coach Aaron Glenn.





    Despite rumors that the Detroit Lions were pursuing Jacksonville Jaguars tight ends coach, Ron Middleton, for their vacant TE coach position, it has been confirmed that Middleton will be staying with the Jaguars for the upcoming season.

    Middleton has been with the Jaguars since 2013 and has played a key role in developing their tight ends, including Pro Bowler James O’Shaughnessy. His decision to remain in Jacksonville is a blow to the Lions, who were hoping to bring his expertise to their team.

    While the Lions will have to look elsewhere for a new TE coach, Middleton’s dedication to the Jaguars is a testament to the strong coaching staff and organization they have in place. Detroit will need to quickly regroup and find a suitable replacement to help their tight ends excel in the upcoming season.

    Tags:

    1. NFL coaching news
    2. Jacksonville Jaguars
    3. Detroit Lions
    4. Tight end coach
    5. NFL offseason
    6. Coaching carousel
    7. TE coach update
    8. Lions coaching staff
    9. Jaguars coaching staff
    10. NFL rumors

    #Lions #desired #coach #staying #Jaguars

  • Lions Spurned by AFC Coach Despite Recent Success


    The Detroit Lions are trying to reassemble its coaching staff after a max exodus this offseason. Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson both left for head coaching jobs and the “brain drain” has commenced with both of Dan Campbell’s former coordinators taking some of their peers with them and other members of the staff taking promotions elsewhere.

    But while the Lions haven’t had the strangest offseason revolving around its coaching staff, it doesn’t mean it hasn’t been eventful. One of Detroit’s attempts to add a coach failed over the weekend and leaves the Lions still trying to adapt to the cost of success in the NFL.

    The Lions inquired about the availability of Richard Angulo for its vacant tight end position over the weekend but new Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Cohen has decided to keep him on his new staff according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

    Angulo has served as Jacksonville’s tight ends coach since Doug Pedersen was hired as head coach in 2022 and previously spent eight seasons in the Baltimore Ravens organization, working his way up from an offensive coaching intern in 2014 to an assistant offensive line coach from 2017 to 2021.

    The 44-year-old’s time in Jacksonville has been a success as tight end Evan Engram posted 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns in 2022 and made the Pro Bowl with 114 catches for 963 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. 

    While it was unclear whether he would be back after Pederson was fired at the conclusion of last season, Coen has made the decision to keep him around.

    The Lions are looking for a tight end coach after Steve Heiden followed Glenn to the New York Jets last month. While Heiden will serve as the offensive line coach in New York, he played a big role in Detroit’s offense, helping develop Sam LaPorta over his first two seasons in the NFL.

    With Angulo remaining in Jacksonville, the Lions will have to go further down their list. It’s the latest in a string of developments for Campbell’s staff and will be part of a much different look in 2025.

    More Detroit Lions News and Rumors:





    The Detroit Lions have been on a roll lately, with back-to-back wins and an impressive showing on both sides of the ball. However, their recent success has not been enough to earn them any love from an AFC coach.

    In a recent interview, the unnamed coach was asked about the Lions’ recent performances and whether he thought they were a legitimate threat in the NFC. His response was less than complimentary, as he brushed off their success and instead focused on their past struggles.

    “It’s great to see the Lions doing well, but let’s not forget that they haven’t exactly been a powerhouse in recent years,” the coach said. “They have a lot of work to do before they can be considered a real contender in the NFC.”

    The comments have left many Lions fans feeling spurned and frustrated, as they believe their team is finally turning a corner and making strides towards becoming a competitive force in the league. Despite the lack of respect from this AFC coach, the Lions are determined to prove their worth and show that they are a team to be reckoned with.

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    1. Lions NFL news
    2. Detroit Lions update
    3. AFC coach decision
    4. Lions success
    5. NFL team news
    6. Lions roster update
    7. Lions AFC rejection
    8. Detroit Lions recent performance
    9. Lions coach controversy
    10. Detroit Lions AFC coach decision

    #Lions #Spurned #AFC #Coach #Success

  • Bears explore Ben Johnson connection by signing Lions receiver


    Lions and Saints coaches with Ben Johnson ties have been brought in over the course of the last week by the Bears and now it’s a player.

    Although free agency doesn’t start until March 10 with the legalized tampering period, former Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander was signed by the Bears Friday to a futures contract.

    A slot receiver type at 5-foot-11, 174 pounds, the 28-year-old from Florida International has been a practice squad player for the Lions who got into seven games total for Detroit over the 2022 and 2024 seasons. He played in the USFL in 2022 before the NFL season and made 20 catches for 234 yards.

    He caught only one pass for 7 yards but displayed some special teams ability by averaging 24.3 yards on six kick returns in 2022, with a long of 47 yards. HE also returned four punts this past season for a very healthy 10.5-yard average.

    The Bears used DeAndre Carter in the return game until a hamstring injury against the 49ers in December. Carter averaged 31.9 yards for 15 kick returns and 9.3 for his 17 punts returned. His kick return average was third-highest in the league for anyone with at least 12 returns.

    Carter was working on a one-year contract in 2024.

    X: BearsOnSI





    The Chicago Bears have made a bold move in free agency by signing former Detroit Lions wide receiver, Breshad Perriman. Perriman, who spent the last season with the Lions, is now set to join the Bears and add depth to their receiving corps.

    But what makes this signing particularly interesting is the connection between Perriman and Bears offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson. Johnson, who previously worked as the Lions’ tight ends coach, is familiar with Perriman’s skillset and could potentially help him thrive in the Bears’ offense.

    With Perriman now on board, Bears fans are eager to see how this new connection between him and Johnson will translate on the field. Will Perriman be able to make an impact and help the Bears’ passing game take a step forward? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Bears are exploring all avenues to improve their roster and compete in the NFC North.

    Tags:

    1. Bears
    2. Ben Johnson
    3. Lions
    4. Receiver
    5. NFL
    6. Chicago Bears
    7. Detroit Lions
    8. Football
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    10. Free agency

    #Bears #explore #Ben #Johnson #connection #signing #Lions #receiver

  • Former Lions WR Maurice Alexander follows Ben Johnson to Chicago Bears


    Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander has signed a futures deal with the Chicago Bears, according to NFL’s transaction wire. Maurice will reunite with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who became the Bears head coach last week. He’ll also reconnect with his position coach, as Antwaan Randle El also went to Chicago for a promotion to wide receivers coach/assistant head coach.

    Alexander finished the season on the Lions practice squad, and the Lions opted not to sign him to a futures deal. That meant Alexander was a free agent free to sign with any team, even before free agency opens in March.

    Alexander, 28, has been on and off the Lions’ roster since 2022. This past year, he made three game appearances, serving as the team’s kick and punt returner when Kalif Raymond spent over a month on injured reserve with a foot injury. Alexander got a total of four punt returns and turned it into 42 yards and a fumble (that was not lost).

    Nicknamed “Hard Time,” Alexander may not have gotten many opportunities on the field in his three seasons (seven game appearances), but he had earned a reputation as a hard worker and good teammate. He was one of the many players who Teddy Bridgewater worked out with in and out of the Lions’ training facility.

    “He’s been back there just listening. After practice, catching jugs. Walk through, catching jugs, just listening,” Raymond said of Alexander in 2022. “And then as I’m working, he’s working. And a lot people don’t know his story. This dude’s working another job, got a call from the USFL, balls out for the USFL, becomes a Detroit Lion and then finally takes a punt back in the NFL. There’s a lot of work that went in between that moment—the moment had in that game, and a lot of work that went in between that nobody saw. And that dude works his tail off.”

    You can see the list of other Lions free agents right here.



    Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander has signed with the Chicago Bears, reuniting with his former coach Ben Johnson. Johnson, who was previously the Lions’ wide receivers coach, recently joined the Bears as their new offensive coordinator.

    Alexander, known for his speed and route-running ability, will bring a valuable skill set to the Bears’ receiving corps. With Johnson’s familiarity with Alexander’s playing style and strengths, the duo is set to make a significant impact in Chicago.

    Fans are excited to see Alexander’s potential unleashed under Johnson’s guidance, and are hopeful for a successful partnership between the two in the Windy City. Stay tuned for updates on their progress as they gear up for the upcoming season with the Bears. #ChicagoBears #MauriceAlexander #BenJohnson #NFLFreeAgency

    Tags:

    • Maurice Alexander
    • Ben Johnson
    • Chicago Bears
    • Former Lions WR
    • NFL news
    • Free agency
    • Football updates
    • Wide receiver signings
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    #Lions #Maurice #Alexander #Ben #Johnson #Chicago #Bears

  • John Morton ‘one of the masterminds’ of the Lions scheme






    John Morton: One of the Masterminds of the Lions Scheme

    John Morton has long been known as a brilliant offensive mind in the NFL, but his work with the Detroit Lions has taken his reputation to new heights. As the offensive coordinator for the Lions, Morton has been instrumental in developing a high-powered offensive scheme that has helped the team become one of the most dangerous in the league.

    Morton’s creativity and attention to detail have been on full display this season, as the Lions have consistently put up big numbers on the scoreboard. From designing innovative play calls to exploiting matchups and mismatches, Morton’s offensive scheme has kept defenses guessing and struggling to contain the Lions’ explosive offense.

    Under Morton’s guidance, quarterback Jared Goff has thrived, making quick and accurate decisions while spreading the ball around to a talented group of receivers. Running back D’Andre Swift has also been a major beneficiary of Morton’s scheme, finding open running lanes and making big plays in the passing game.

    In short, John Morton has been a driving force behind the Lions’ offensive success this season. His innovative play-calling and strategic game planning have made him one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the league. As the Lions continue their quest for a playoff berth, Morton’s contributions will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success.

    Tags:

    John Morton, Lions scheme, football, coaching, NFL, offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions, mastermind, strategy, tactics, success, analysis

    #John #Morton #masterminds #Lions #scheme

  • 5 things to know about Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard


    The job Glenn did to maintain a pretty consistent level of play on defense this past year despite all the injuries on that side of the ball was pretty remarkable. When Sheppard hits the ground running in this new role come April, he’ll have plenty of pieces to work with.

    His linebacker room will be strong with Anzalone, Campbell and Rodriguez all under contract. We’ll see what the Lions opt to do with Barnes set to become a free agent.

    Detroit’s starting four upfront should be disruptive and versatile with Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader and Za’Darius Smith all under contract, plus a few key reserves coming back too.

    Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Amik Robertson, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are all back in the secondary and that’s an area Detroit’s expected to continue to develop and add to this offseason by either re-signing Carlton Davis III, adding another veteran in free agency or continuing to add young talent to the mix via the draft.

    Sheppard will have the pieces to implement his style of play and vision for this defense in 2025.

    Sheppard once considered cutting his dreadlocks, believing the look might hinder his ability to get a job coaching in the NFL. Campbell encouraged Sheppard to keep his hairstyle, saying it was part of the young coach’s identity. Sheppard never forgot that conversation with Campbell and it’s allowed him to be his authentic self throughout his coaching career.

    “I went through it and he’s like, ‘Thinking about cutting your what? What? Are you crazy? First of all, I love your hair,’” Sheppard said back in 2022. “He’s like, ‘But seriously, Shep, if I’m hiring you, if anybody’s hiring you, they’re hiring you because of you. You got those jobs because of who you are, not because of somebody you’re trying to become.’ And that resonated with me.”


    1. Former NFL Linebacker: Kelvin Sheppard played as a linebacker in the NFL for 8 seasons, suiting up for teams like the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions.
    2. Coaching Experience: Sheppard transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing in 2018. He started as a defensive analyst at the University of Louisiana in 2019 before joining the Detroit Lions as a defensive assistant in 2020. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021.
    3. Player Development: Sheppard is known for his ability to develop young players and help them reach their full potential. Under his guidance, the Lions defense has shown improvement and growth throughout the 2021 season.
    4. Defensive Philosophy: Sheppard’s defensive philosophy focuses on aggressive and physical play, emphasizing fundamentals and technique. He aims to create a unit that is disciplined, tough, and able to generate turnovers.
    5. Leadership Qualities: Sheppard is praised for his leadership qualities, including his communication skills, motivational tactics, and ability to connect with players. He is respected by his peers and players for his work ethic and dedication to the game.

    Tags:

    1. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
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    5. Detroit Lions defensive strategies

    #Detroit #Lions #defensive #coordinator #Kelvin #Sheppard

  • 3 Lions on Thin Ice With John Morton as Offensive Coordinator


    The Detroit Lions established themselves as one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL in the past two years. But with Ben Johnson’s departure to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, it represents a new era under new offensive coordinator John Morton.

    Morton isn’t completely unfamiliar with the Lions as he worked with Johnson as an offensive consultant during the 2022 season. His offense is also similar to the one he oversaw as the Denver Broncos passing game coordinator last season.

    The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy highlighted that Morton’s offense highlights a tendency to throw the ball downfield and create balance with a mix of play-action. While those strengths may create opportunities for some on Detroit’s roster, it may also put other players on thin ice as Morton takes over next season.

    The Lions added some veteran experience to their roster toward the end of training camp when they signed Allen Robinson II and Tim Patrick to the practice squad. Robinson had the name recognition as a former Pro Bowler but it was Patrick who took off and carved out a role on the active roster, catching 33 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

    If the Lions are deciding between Patrick and Robinson for a spot on next year’s roster, Patrick’s previous experience working with Morton as a member of the Broncos could help him out. But Patrick could also have an advantage based on what Pouncy said about Morton’s desire to push the ball downfield.

    “If you look at the Broncos offense in 2024, you’ll find a few clues,” Pouncy wrote. “Of Denver’s pass attempts last season, 22.3 percent of them traveled 15 or more air yards and 13 percent traveled 20 or more air yards per TruMedia. Both of those marks were the ninth-highest in the NFL.

    “As for the Lions, just 18.5 percent of Detroit’s pass attempts traveled 15 or more air yards (25th in the NFL) and only eight percent traveled 20 or more air yards.”

    Pouncy mentioned that good coaching staffs adapt to their talent, meaning the screens that David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs thrived on and the short passes that fueled Amon-Ra St. Brown probably aren’t going anywhere. But it could be more relevant when it comes to which receivers stick on the roster.

    With St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond as locks heading into next season, Patrick and Robinson could be battling for a spot. While Patrick averaged an average depth of target (aDOT) of 11.6 yards, Robinson only managed 7.3. Patrick also had an advantage in yards per route run with 1.15 compared to Robinson’s 0.71.

    It could signal the end for Robinson’s once promising career and have him losing his job to Patrick or a draft pick this spring.



    The Detroit Lions have found themselves in a precarious position with John Morton as their offensive coordinator. As the team navigates through a challenging season, they are facing mounting pressure to turn things around before it’s too late.

    Morton, a seasoned coach with a proven track record, was brought on board to revamp the Lions’ offense and bring a new level of creativity and efficiency to the team. However, so far, the results have been less than stellar.

    With only three wins under their belt and a struggling offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in several key categories, the Lions are skating on thin ice. The pressure is on Morton to find a way to ignite the team and get them back on track before it’s too late.

    As the Lions prepare for a crucial stretch of games that could make or break their season, all eyes will be on Morton and his ability to lead the offense to success. Can he turn things around and help the Lions claw their way back into playoff contention? Only time will tell. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in Detroit.

    Tags:

    1. John Morton offensive coordinator
    2. Detroit Lions football
    3. NFL offensive coordinator
    4. John Morton coaching career
    5. Detroit Lions offense
    6. John Morton coaching style
    7. Detroit Lions offensive strategy
    8. John Morton play calling
    9. Detroit Lions coaching staff
    10. John Morton offensive game plan

    #Lions #Thin #Ice #John #Morton #Offensive #Coordinator

  • NFL awards 2024: Lions, Vikings double up in voting for Sporting News’ honors


    With the end of another NFL season and Super Bowl 59’s arrival, it’s time for the outlets covering the league to hand out major individual NFL awards. For Sporting News, that means revealing our prestigious pro football honors, too. The long-standing process was the same for 2024, as all the worthy recipients were determined by peer voting from around the league.

    For Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, the winners were selected by fellow players. The 927 ballots received for Offensive Player of the Year were the most since players began participating in the voting in 2008.

    Only head coaches were allowed to vote for Coordinator of the Year and Coach of the Year. Only front-office staff and personnel decision-makers were allowed to vote for Executive of the Year.

    In every case, players, coaches, and executives were advised not to pick anyone from their own team. Ballots were sent out electronically around the league, with a majority of teams voting before the early-January deadline. Below are those results — some of which might raise a few eyebrows.

    MORE: Meet SN’s NFL All-Pro team | History of Sporting News’ NFL awards

    Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles

    2024 stats: 345 carries, 2,005 rushing yards, 13 TDs; 33 receptions for 278 yards, 2 TDs

    Barkley had a monster season coming over from the NFC East rival Giants in free agency. He’s only the second Eagles player to win Sporting News NFL Player of the Year, 70 years since it was first awarded in 1954, following quarterback Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. He is the first Eagle to receive this honor since the award was split into separate offensive and defensive honors in 2008.

    Barkley follows recent non-quarterback winners Tyreek Hill (2023), Justin Jefferson (2022), and Jonathan Taylor (2021), getting the nod that previous recent NFL rushing leaders Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs didn’t get. Barkley got noticed for his big rushing total and bigger plays to lead the Eagles’ run-heavy offense, ending multiple seasons of frustration with his first team. He received 369 votes from his fellow players, almost twice as much as second-place finisher Josh Allen (188 votes).

    MORE: Why Saquon Barkley is SN’s Offensive Player of the Year

    Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, EDGE Browns

    2024 stats: 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

    Garrett is the first DPOY to repeat for SN since fellow future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt got back-to-back nods as a Texans defensive end in 2014 and 2015. Garrett remained his dominant pass-rushing and run-disrupting self, despite the Browns defense dropping off its production as a whole with some shakier back seven play. Garrett posted 14 sacks for a second consecutive season. He received 196 votes from his fellow players, finishing well ahead of his chief rival, the Steelers‘ T.J. Watt (121 votes), a recent previous winner.

    MORE: How Myles Garrett’s rare back-to-back DPOY compares to J.J. Watt

    Comeback Player of the Year: Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings

    2024 stats: 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs, 7.9 yards per attempt, 66.2 completion percentage, 102.5 passer rating

    Darnold is the second Vikings player to win the award since its SN inception in 2008, following Adrian Peterson and his 2,097-yard rushing season in 2012. Quarterbacks have dominated this award of late, winning seven consecutive times. Andrew Luck started the streak in 2018, and Tua Tagovailoa continued it as the previous winner.

    Darnold received 503 votes and won by a considerable margin over another quarterback, Joe Burrow (144 votes), who had a massive season after missing much of 2023. He also didn’t have much competition from Chargers running back JK Dobbins (109 votes), who came back from a torn Achilles to star for his new team. The nature of the award is to come back well from poor play and adversity, not just injury. Darnold got the nod for his late-blooming season in Minnesota being so impressive.

    Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders

    2024 stats: 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, 9 INTs, 7.4 yards per pass attempt, 69.0 completion percentage, 100.1 passer rating, 891 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs

    Daniels is the third Washington player to win this award since its inception in 1955, joining fellow quarterback Robert Griffin III (2012) and Hall of Fame wide receiver Charley Taylor (1964). Daniels set rookie records for completion percentage and rushing yards by a QB. He won the Rookie of the Year award by a wide margin, receiving 454 votes, with Raiders tight end Brock Bowers getting the second most votes with 218.

    He also got close to taking the Commanders to the Super Bowl after leading Washington to a 12-5 turnaround and road wins in the wild-card and divisional rounds. He has a case for being the best rookie QB in NFL history given his dual-threat production and franchise-changing professionalism. Daniels is on the early watchlist to win his first MVP in 2025.

    MORE: Why Jayden Daniels is Rookie of the Year over Brock Bowers, Bo Nix

    Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Vikings

    O’Connell also is an honorary coordinator of the year given he calls plays for Minnesota’s prolific offense, which finished No. 12 in passing and No. 9 in scoring. He got this award for adjusting well at QB to get a career year from Darnold after rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy went down with a preseason knee injury. He also had a strong staff led by Flores.

    The former Rams assistant is only 39, with plenty more good years ahead. O’Connell dominated the voting by his peers, receiving 14 votes, finishing well ahead of runners-up Dan Campbell, who won the award for leading the Lions last season, and Andy Reid (three votes each).

    Coordinator of the Year: Ben Johnson, OC, Lions

    Johnson (nine votes) beat out two defensive coordinators, the Vikings’ Brian Flores (three votes) and the Eagles’ Vic Fangio (two votes), to capture the award rather easily. Just like 2023 winner Mike Macdonald, who won this award as Ravens coordinator before taking the Seahawks head coaching job, Johnson is leaving his team.

    Johnson will try to lead the NFC North rival Bears and franchise QB Caleb Williams to big things. In Johnson’s final season with the Lions, they were No. 2 in average yardage per game (409.5), No. 2 in total passing yards (4,474), No. 5 in total rushing yards (2,488), and No. 1 in average scoring per game (33.2 points). 

    Executive of the Year: Brad Holmes, GM, Lions

    Campbell couldn’t repeat but Holmes (nine votes) did, despite some tough competition from Brandon Beane (Bills, five votes), Eric DeCosta (Ravens, three votes), Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (Vikings, three votes), Howie Roseman (Eagles, three votes), and Adam Peters (Commanders, two votes). 

    Holmes had a strong offseason again with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, guard Kevin Zeitler, and kicker Jake Bates among the key additions to bolster a roster he loaded with young and more experienced talent. The respect for Holmes remains high in a league full of great decision-makers.



    The NFL awards for the 2024 season are in, and it’s a double win for the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in Sporting News’ annual honors.

    The Lions and Vikings each took home multiple awards, showcasing their standout performances on the field this past season.

    For the Lions, quarterback Jared Goff was named Offensive Player of the Year, while defensive end Romeo Okwara earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Head coach Dan Campbell also received recognition, winning Coach of the Year for his leadership and team’s success.

    On the other side, the Vikings saw running back Dalvin Cook take home the title of Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Eric Kendricks was named Defensive Player of the Year. Head coach Kevin O’Connell rounded out the honors, winning Coach of the Year for his impressive debut season.

    Overall, it was a successful year for both the Lions and Vikings, and their players and coaches are deserving of the recognition they received in the Sporting News awards. Congratulations to all the winners!

    Tags:

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    #NFL #awards #Lions #Vikings #double #voting #Sporting #News #honors

  • Lions’ Jared Goff part of star-studded bid to bring WNBA team back to Detroit


    Detroit wants to bring the WNBA back to the Motor City, backed by an investor group led by the owners of the NBA‘s Pistons and NFL‘s Lions.

    Pistons owner Tom Gores submitted the bid Thursday and it was announced Friday. The group includes Sheila Ford Hamp and her husband, the principal owners of the Lions; the chief executive officer and chair of General Motors Company; Hall of Famer and former NBA rookie of the Year Grant Hill; Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife; and others.

    “For the WNBA, this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming,” Gores said in a statement. “No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground.”

    The Detroit Shock were one of the WNBA’s first expansion teams, winning three titles between 1998 and 2009. The Shock ranked in the top five for attendance for five straight seasons and led the league in that category for three consecutive seasons. Detroit set a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals.

    The new team would play at Little Caesars Arena.

    “Detroit is a sports town that loves its teams deeply and consistently shows up with unwavering passion,” Gores said. “At a critical moment in the growth and development of the WNBA, it supported the hometown team more than any other franchise in the league. We’re here to rekindle that legacy.”

    The bid is also supported by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The bid includes a plan to build a dedicated practice facility and headquarters open 24 hours a day for the WNBA team. That facility would include courts, locker room, workout facilities and office and lounge space. A sports center open to the public would also be developed.

    “Michiganders are fired up,” Whitmer said. “Our passion for our teams and players is unmatched, our commitment to our communities remains unwavering, and our vision for women’s sports is crystal clear. My administration stands ready to support this franchise’s success.”

    The WNBA is adding three expansion teams in the next two seasons with Golden State, Portland and Toronto joining to boost the league’s franchises to 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said the WNBA would like to add a 16th team by the 2028 season. Cleveland announced its bid to bring a WNBA franchise back to Ohio last November.

    Nashville announced a bid Thursday. The team would be called the Tennessee Summitt to honor the legacy of the late Pat Summitt and three-time WNBA champ Candace Parker is in the investor group along with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and the chairman of the NHL‘s Nashville Predators. That bid also includes a dedicated practice facility.

    Reporting by The Associated Press.

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    The city of Detroit may soon see the return of a WNBA team, and Lions quarterback Jared Goff is playing a key role in the efforts to make it happen. Goff is part of a star-studded group of investors who are working to bring a women’s basketball team back to the Motor City.

    After the Detroit Shock moved to Tulsa in 2009, the city has been without a WNBA team for over a decade. But that could change soon thanks to the collective efforts of Goff and other prominent figures in the sports and entertainment industry.

    Goff, who was traded to the Lions from the Los Angeles Rams earlier this year, has expressed his excitement about the possibility of bringing professional women’s basketball back to Detroit. He believes that the city’s rich sports history and passionate fan base make it an ideal location for a WNBA team.

    The bid to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit is still in the early stages, but with Goff and others leading the charge, there is optimism that a team could be playing in the city once again in the near future. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development! #DetroitWNBA #JaredGoff #Lions #WNBA #DetroitBasketball

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  • Jets Rumors: Lions’ Tanner Engstrand Expected to Be OC After Nick Caley Rejected Job | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors


    CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 03: A closeup view of the New York Jets logo on a helmet during a delay in the second half of the 2023 Pro Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

    Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

    The Detroit Lions are reportedly losing another coach.

    Connor Hughes of SNY reported Friday that the New York Jets are expected to hire Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as their new offensive coordinator. Engstrand is certainly a familiar name for new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn after their shared time on Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit.

    Hughes noted New York attempted to hire Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley as its “top option” but was rejected.

    The Jets apparently weren’t the only ones interested in Caley, who Hughes pointed out will “have other options.” He also reported New York will keep wide receiver coach Shawn Jefferson after blocking interview requests for him around the league.

    As for Engstrand’s departure, this is another loss for the Lions staff.

    Glenn became the head coach of the Jets, while offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became the head coach of the division-rival Chicago Bears.

    Elsewhere, defensive line coach Terrell Williams went to the New England Patriots as DC, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El went to the Bears in the same position, assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett went to Chicago as the quarterbacks coach and tight ends coach Steve Heiden became the offensive line coach of the Jets.

    It is quite the turnover for a franchise that has turned itself around under head coach Dan Campbell and become one of the league’s best teams.

    New York is looking for a similar turnaround with Engstrand as its offensive coordinator.

    NFL @NFL

    JAMESON WILLIAMS 70-YARD TOUCHDOWN.<br><br>: <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEAvsDET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SEAvsDET</a> on ABC<br>: Stream on <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NFLPlus</a> and ESPN+ <a href=”https://t.co/yZneLwLl9v”>pic.twitter.com/yZneLwLl9v</a>

    The 2024 season was his fifth on Detroit’s staff and second as the passing game coordinator. The Lions finished his first season in the role second in the league in passing yards on the way to the NFC Championship Game and his second season in the role second in the league again on the way to the conference’s No. 1 seed.

    Players such as Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta thrived under his coaching, and he will look to help the Jets’ playmakers unlock similar production.

    There are still a number of questions to be answered in New York, not the least of which is will Aaron Rodgers be back at quarterback, but the team at least knows who the O.C. will be after this move.





    According to recent rumors, the New York Jets are expected to hire Detroit Lions’ Tanner Engstrand as their new offensive coordinator. This comes after Nick Caley reportedly rejected the job offer from the Jets.

    Engstrand, who has been with the Lions for several years, is highly regarded for his offensive prowess and innovative play-calling. He is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Jets’ offense and help develop young quarterback Zach Wilson.

    While the deal has not been officially confirmed yet, sources close to the situation believe that Engstrand is the frontrunner for the job. Jets fans are hopeful that his hiring will bring a new energy to the team and help turn their offense around.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. #Jets #TannerEngstrand #OffensiveCoordinator

    Tags:

    Jets rumors, Lions, Tanner Engstrand, offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, job rejection, news, scores, highlights, stats, NFL rumors

    #Jets #Rumors #Lions #Tanner #Engstrand #Expected #Nick #Caley #Rejected #Job #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

    January 31, 2025
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