The Detroit Lions have reportedly lost Duce Staley to the Panthers

The Detroit Lions there are more changes in the coaching staff this year. According to ESPN’s Dan GrazianoLions assistant coach / running backs coach Duce Staley is hiring Carolina Panthers. At this point, it’s unclear what Staley’s role will be with the Panthers.

The Panthers recently hired Frank Reich to be their head coach and have a history with Staley. Reich was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator from 2016-17, with Staley the team’s running backs coach.

Staley has played his role in Detroit the past two seasons, helping to develop and motivate D’Andre Swift along the way, and he’s certainly been partially responsible for Jamaal Williams’ career season, passing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and setting a franchise record with 17 rushes in a season. with touch

“He knows what it takes,” Swift said of Staley in training camp. “He’s been in the position I’ve been in, so he’s the type of coach that’s going to push me to my limits and that’s the type of coach I need.”

The Lions have been preparing Staley for a promotion since he landed in Detroit. Last year, he was able to act as a coach Senior Balland as an assistant coach, he had more input into the decisions than a running backs coach normally would.

Again, it’s unclear what role Staley will play with the Panthers, but one would assume it’s a promotion. As for the Lions, they will need to find another running backs coach in 2023, and Staley’s passion for the position won’t be easy to replace.

Update: Justin Rogers of the Detroit News has more on Staley’s departure: