The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff has undergone significant changes since Dan Campbell took the reins as head coach. One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the team is the development of Campbell’s assistant coaches. In this Lions mailbag, we’ll explore which coach might be the next branch to sprout off the Dan Campbell tree.
One name that consistently comes up in discussions about Campbell’s coaching tree is defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn has been instrumental in shaping the Lions’ defense, which showed significant improvement in 2022. His experience as a former NFL player and coach has earned him the respect of his peers, and he’s widely regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the league.
Another coach who’s generating buzz is offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Fraley has been a key component of the Lions’ coaching staff, helping to develop a young and talented offensive line. His expertise in the trenches has been invaluable, and he’s shown a knack for getting the most out of his players.
However, if we’re looking for the next branch to sprout off the Dan Campbell tree, it might be tight ends coach Tanner Engstrand. Engstrand has been with Campbell since his days as the New Orleans Saints’ assistant head coach, and he’s been instrumental in developing the Lions’ tight ends. His experience working with Campbell and his familiarity with the team’s system make him an attractive candidate to potentially become a coordinator or even a head coach in the future.
It’s worth noting that the Lions’ coaching staff is filled with talented and ambitious coaches, any of whom could potentially become the next branch off the Dan Campbell tree. However, based on their experience, expertise, and relationship with Campbell, Aaron Glenn, Hank Fraley, and Tanner Engstrand are all strong candidates to watch in the future.
Ultimately, the development of Campbell’s coaching tree will be shaped by a variety of factors, including the team’s performance, coaching vacancies around the league, and the ambitions of the coaches themselves. As the Lions continue to grow and evolve under Campbell’s leadership, it will be fascinating to see which coaches emerge as the next generation of leaders in the NFL.