Two years ago, Dan Campbell hired Duce Staley from the Eagles with the aim of molding him into a head coach. Now, Staley is leaving the Lions for the Panthers.
Detroit's assistant head coach and running backs coach is joining Frank Reich's staff in Carolina, according to ESPN. Reich, announced as Panthers head coach last week, worked with Staley for two seasons with the Eagles when Reich was offensive coordinator and Staley was assistant head coach and running backs coach.
Staley could land the offensive coordinator job under Reich in Carolina.
It stands to be a significant loss for Campbell, who leaned hard on Staley to get the most out of the Lions' running backs. His leadership and his role in game-planning helped produce Detroit's two best rushing seasons this century. (The team's stout offensive line deserves plenty of credit, too.)
Staley was also a mentor and motivator for D'Andre Swift, pushing him to play through injuries. While Swift missed three games this season, he put up 5.5 yards per attempt despite being hindered by a separated shoulder and high ankle sprain for much of the year.
Staley, 47, was one of several former NFL players on Campbell's staff who helped set a new standard for a long-suffering organization. His replacement will have big shoes to fill in Allen Park.
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