The Detroit Lions are turning to a third head coach this season for their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That’s right. They need an interim coach to fill in for their interim head coach:
Interim Head Coach Darrell Bevell, Defensive Coordinator Cory Undlin, Defensive Line Coach Bo Davis, Defensive Backs Coach Steve Gregory and Linebackers Coach Ty McKenzie will not coach in Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay due to COVID-19 protocols. pic.twitter.com/a173JJqAGF
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 24, 2020
The Lions announced Interim Head Coach Darrell Bevell and four of his assistants won’t coach this weekend because of COVID-19 protocols. In addition to Bevell’s absence; Detroit will be without Defensive Coordinator Cory Undlin, DL Coach Bo Davis, DBs Coach Steve Gregory, and LBs Coach Ty McKenzie. In other words, that’s the head coach and lead play caller *PLUS* and four key defensive assistants. As if game-planning for Tom Brady and friends wasn’t already enough of a challenge.
Detroit head one coach and one player test positive for COVID-19 this week. And because these coaches were determined to be close contacts after contact tracing, they’re unable to coach this weekend. That’s a tough break for a group looking to make a positive impression as the year winds down. With GM Bob Quinn and Head Coach Matt Patricia already out, these final games of the season are important for remaining staffers.
Here’s hoping a wave of negative tests come in and Detroit’s coaches and players can close out the season on a healthy note.
In the meantime WRs Coach Robert Prince takes over as the new head coach. He will be flanked by QBs Coach Sean Ryan calling offensive plays and Assistant HC/Research & Analysis Evan Rothstein making defensive calls. Defensive assistant Tony Carter slides into the role of DBs Coach. David Corrao moves into coaching linebackers. And Ty Warren jumps into coaching defensive linemen. Good luck, fellas.