After losing one former player from his coaching staff, Dan Campbell has added another: former Pro Bowl Lions cornerback Dre Bly.
The Lions announced Thursday they have hired Bly as cornerbacks coach. Bly, 45, spent the past four seasons as cornerbacks coach at North Carolina and figures to fill the role of former defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, who was dismissed by the Lions midway through last season.
Bly will have a number of young corners to work with in Detroit, including former third overall pick Jeff Okudah and quite possibly another first-rounder in this year's draft. His addition will also help make up for the loss of assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley, the former NFL running back who's leaving for a job with the Carolina Panthers.
Prior to his stint at UNC, Bly got his coaching start in the NFL as a minority intern with the Saints for the 2017 preseason and the Dolphins for the 2018 preseason.
Bly spent four seasons with the Lions as part of his 11-year NFL career, making the Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2004. He remains the team's only corner since 1980 to post six interceptions in multiple seasons. He finished with 19 picks and 65 passes defended during his time in Detroit.
He announced his return to the Lions Thursday via Twitter, thanking Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, GM Brad Holmes and owner Sheila Ford Hamp "for an opportunity to come back home!"
The Lions on Thursday also officially announced the hire of tight ends coach Steve Heiden, who comes to Detroit after a 10-year coaching stint with the Cardinals. Heiden will essentially take over for current Lions tight ends coach Tanner Engstrand, who's assuming more responsibilities as passing game coordinator next season.
Heiden, 46, is a former NFL player himself, having spent 11 seasons with the Chargers and Browns.
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