On Tuesday, coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions held his initial media session after the team completed their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Detroit’s coaching staff underwent significant turnover, needing to find replacements for both coordinators and six other coaches who departed for advanced positions. Overall, the Lions brought in 10 new players for 2025, and Campbell shared his views on several of them during his press conference at the NFL Combine.
Here’s a summary of what Campbell mentioned regarding each coach:
New Offensive Coordinator for the Lions, John Morton
“When we assembled this, he was involved in it.” I believed that bringing him back here was the best choice for us. (He’s) a person in whom I have great trust (and) confidence. Goff understands (him and is) at ease with. He shares a strong relationship with Hank (Fraley) and Bru (Mark Brunell), and with the new additions like David Shaw—those two have a long history together, along with John Morton, which was significant for us.
Transitioning Scottie Montgomery to wide receiver coach
“I believe this will be fantastic for us.” Scottie is a tremendous asset for us; he’s an outstanding coach, and now he oversees the entire receiver group and the passing game, too. He’s going to play a significant role in our passing game, just as David Shaw will. However, he is set to make a significant impact. It’s been a ground game, ball carriers. He’s training more players, and he will significantly influence the passing game.
RB coach Tashard Choice
“He is likely among the most sought-after running backs coaches to emerge from college in recent times.” He will be excellent for the players in the running backs group. Absolutely, he has a connection with Gibbs. I believe Montgomery will appreciate him.
TE trainer Tyler Roehl
“Young man, Iowa State’s running backs coach, and prior to that, he served as a coordinator at North Dakota State.” I interviewed him two years ago, and I was nearby at that time. “This year was the perfect year.”
Offensive aides Bruce Gradkowski and Marques Tuiasosopo
“Meeting with those two individuals left me truly amazed, man.” I always view it the same way; those players are like they belong to us, you know? They are meant to be with us. That’s how I experienced those interviews with both Tuiasosopo and Gradkowski. It felt like, wow, these people, they fit here, truly. They should be with us, as I can clearly see that they’re about to launch. I believe they will be excellent coaches for us. I believe at this moment, Bruce will assist Scotty in the receiver room, while Marques will be support Bru (Mark Brunell) in the quarterback room.
“He is likely among the most sought-after running backs coaches to emerge from college in recent times.” He will be excellent for the players in the running backs group. Absolutely, he has a connection with Gibbs. I believe Montgomery will appreciate him.
TE trainer Tyler Roehl
“Young man, Iowa State’s running backs coach, and prior to that, he served as a coordinator at North Dakota State.” I interviewed him two years ago, and I was nearby at that time. “This year was the perfect year.”
Offensive aides Bruce Gradkowski and Marques Tuiasosopo
“Meeting with those two individuals left me truly amazed, man.” I always view it the same way; those players are like they belong to us, you know? They are meant to be with us. That’s how I experienced those interviews with both Tuiasosopo and Gradkowski. It felt like, wow, these people, they fit here, truly. They should be with us, as I can clearly see that they’re about to launch. I believe they will be excellent coaches for us. I believe at this moment, Bruce will assist Scotty in the receiver room, while Marques will be support Bru (Mark Brunell) in the quarterback room.
Elevating Kelvin Sheppard to the role of defensive coordinator
“I have always thought that Shep had the potential to be an excellent coach.” Around two years ago, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this individual is going to become a coordinator pretty soon.’ Thus, AG (Aaron Glenn) and I discussed it and attempted to assign him greater responsibility over the past two years. Keeping that in consideration for him, this is the following stage, this is the following stage. Without informing him; nothing was ever guaranteed. I felt very positive about that, like, he’s prepared. He is prepared.
Defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers
“When I played in Dallas, he served as our assistant defensive line coach.” That was the first occasion I encountered him, and afterward, I coached alongside him with the Miami Dolphins. Therefore, I have observed him as a coach. I understand his nature. I’m aware of the D-line’s performance under his coaching. Thus, I have consistently held him in high regard. I was lucky to coach alongside him and Terrell (Williams). Therefore, once I realized there was an opportunity to acquire him and he would be accessible, it simply felt logical. I believe he will be excellent for our defensive line. I believe Hutch (Aidan Hutchinson) and the others will genuinely appreciate him and be drawn to him. And he’s, he’s one of our own; he’s focused on doing it correctly. Diligent worker, has a clear view of the game, comprehends the strategy thoroughly, and then he masters the basics and puts in the effort with those players.”
Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase.
“(Williams) is among the top D-Line coaches in the league — if not the very best.” “I believe he and Kacy are first and second.”