The Detroit Lions have found their man to be the new defensive line coach. Kacy Rodgers will take over the Detroit defensive front in place of Terrell Williams, who left the Lions to become the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.
Rodgers has been the defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 55-year-old Rodgers has been coaching defense (primarily defensive line) for over 30 years, beginning in the college ranks. He’s been in the NFL since the 2003 season, working with the Cowboys, Dolphins, Jets and Buccaneers.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the first to officially report the news.
#Bucs run game coordinator/defensive line Kacy Rodgers is expected to join the #Lions as defensive line coach, per sources.
Detroit is replacing Terrell Williams, who became Patriots DC. Rodgers has been with Todd Bowles since 2015. pic.twitter.com/QgYcDVSD45
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 23, 2025
Rodgers is from the Bill Parcells coaching tree. Rodgers and Lions head coach Dan Campbell were on the same Dolphins staff from 2010 through 2014, with Campbell coaching tight ends and Rodgers running the defensive line.
Rodgers does have coordinator experience with the Jets from 2015-2018, serving under Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles. The Lions coordinator position remains open. Rodgers has also interviewed for the DL coaching vacancy with the Green Bay Packers this week.
It’s unclear if Rodgers will take on a run game coordinator role as well as his DL coaching duties with the Lions.