Jaguars block Lions from hiring their coach by offering him a new contract, plus three alternative coaches the Lions could consider

The Detroit Lions have recently faced a significant shakeup on the offensive coaching staff, particularly with the loss of tight ends coach Steve Heiden, who left last week to join Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets as their offensive line coach. In the wake of Heiden’s departure, the Lions have been actively searching for a new tight ends coach, and Richard Angulo, the current tight ends coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was reportedly one of their top targets. However, the Jaguars are taking steps to ensure they don’t lose Angulo, leaving the Lions to continue their search for a suitable replacement.

While the Lions’ search remains ongoing, there are three potential candidates that could fill the tight ends coach position—each with ties to the Lions organization:

1. Abdul Hodge, Iowa Tight Ends Coach
   Why not tap into the renowned tight end pipeline that is Iowa? Hodge, who served as the tight ends coach for Sam LaPorta—who the Lions selected in the second round of the 2023 draft—has a strong connection to the team. Hodge also helped develop Luke Lachey, another potential NFL prospect. Iowa’s program has produced some of the best tight ends in recent memory, and Hodge has been a key figure in shaping those players.
2. Dan Roushar, Tulane Offensive Line Coach
   Dan Roushar brings a wealth of experience to the table. He previously worked alongside Dan Campbell in New Orleans, even taking over as the tight ends coach after Campbell’s departure. Roushar’s extensive background includes coaching tight ends, offensive lines, running backs, and serving as a run game coordinator. His familiarity with both Campbell’s system and the Lions’ new offensive coordinator John Morton—whom Roushar also worked with in New Orleans—could make him an ideal candidate for the job.
3. Austin King, Denver Broncos Assistant Offensive Line Coach
   Austin King is another intriguing possibility. Not only has he worked with John Morton in Denver, but he also followed Morton to Las Vegas, where he served as the tight ends coach and a quality control coach with the Raiders. King’s familiarity with both the coaching staff and the offensive schemes could make him a valuable asset for the Lions moving forward.

So, as the search continues, these three coaches—each with a strong connection to the Lions—could potentially step into the tight ends coach role, ensuring the team is well-equipped to develop their next generation of tight end talent.