Detroit’s defensive deficiencies have cost one assistant his job.
The Lions fired defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press first reported the news.
Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news later Monday, calling Pleasant’s ouster “a tough decision.”
“We’re in a production-based business,” Campbell explained, “and after seven weeks, I felt like this change needed to be made.”
Campbell added that Brian Duker, previously the safeties coach, will take over Pleasant’s responsibilities.
Pleasant joined the Lions as part of Campbell’s original staff in 2021. Detroit’s coaches were essentially given a free pass for the team’s struggles last season, but in 2022, the Lions’ issues on the defensive side of the ball have proven to be too significant to continue with the status quo. The Lions rank dead last in yards allowed per game at 421.3, and Detroit stands 27th in the NFL against the pass, surrendering over 265 yards per contest through the air.
The Lions have scored enough points to win more than one game this season. Detroit ranks ninth in scoring, but because its defense has been so shoddy, the Lions have