Lions Hire Kacy Rodgers as New Defensive Line Coach

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have hired Kacy Rodgers as their new defensive line coach, filling the vacancy left by Terrell Williams, who departed to become the New England Patriots‘ defensive coordinator. The move was first reported by ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler on January 23, 2025.

Rodgers, who spent the past six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings over two decades of NFL coaching experience to Detroit. He served as the Buccaneers’ defensive line coach since 2019 and added the title of defensive run game coordinator in 2022. His contract with Tampa Bay expired at the end of the 2024 season, allowing him to make a lateral move to the Lions.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Rodgers share a professional history, having worked together with the Miami Dolphins from 2008 to 2014. During that time, Rodgers was the defensive line coach, while Campbell served as a coaching intern and later as the tight ends coach.

Rodgers’ hiring comes as the Lions continue to address coaching staff changes. The team has yet to fill openings at offensive and defensive coordinator, with Campbell stating he will consider both internal and external candidates for those roles.

Rodgers’ track record speaks to his ability to develop strong defensive units. In 2023, the Buccaneers ranked third in rushing yards allowed, and in 2021, they led the league in quarterback hits while finishing seventh in sacks. His defensive line was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV victory in 2020, during which the team recorded 48 sacks and ranked first in rushing defense.

Rodgers had reportedly interviewed with other teams, including the Green Bay Packers, before finalizing his move to Detroit. His addition bolsters a Lions defense that finished just behind the Buccaneers in rushing yards allowed per game in 2024.