Lions Eye Buccaneers Coaches for Key Defensive Roles

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are turning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to bolster their coaching staff, with plans to interview Larry Foote for their defensive coordinator position and hire Kacy Rodgers as their defensive line coach, according to reports.

Larry Foote, currently the Buccaneers’ inside linebackers coach and pass game coordinator, is a Detroit native who played 13 seasons in the NFL, including a stint with the Lions. Foote won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers before transitioning to coaching in 2015. He joined the Buccaneers’ staff in 2019 and has been instrumental in developing their defensive schemes.

Kacy Rodgers, who served as the Buccaneers’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator, is set to join the Lions in a similar role. Rodgers has a proven track record, having worked with standout players like Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh. In 2020, he was named the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year, an honor voted on by NFL coaches.

Rodgers’ tenure with the Buccaneers saw the team rank sixth in sacks (46) and fourth in run defense (97.8 yards per game) in 2024. His connection to Lions head coach Dan Campbell dates back to their time together with the Miami Dolphins, where Rodgers was the defensive line coach from 2008 to 2014.

Foote’s potential hiring would mark a homecoming for the Detroit native, who attended high school in the city before playing college football at the University of Michigan. His experience as both a player and coach could bring a fresh perspective to the Lions’ defense, which has struggled in recent seasons.

The Lions are looking to rebuild their coaching staff after a disappointing 2024 campaign. The addition of Foote and Rodgers could provide the expertise needed to turn around the team’s defensive performance.