In a significant move, the Detroit Lions have tapped Tyler Roehl, former assistant head coach and running backs coach at Iowa State, to join their staff as an offensive assistant coach, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Roehl’s path to the NFL as a coach began after a brief playing career. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2009 but was plagued by a torn ACL during offseason workouts. This injury forced him to miss his rookie season, and he was eventually cut the following year. His playing career was cut short after a standout college tenure at North Dakota State, where he racked up 2,484 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns across his final two seasons.
After transitioning into coaching, Roehl returned to North Dakota State in 2014, initially serving as the running backs and tight ends coach. His influence quickly grew, and by 2019, he was promoted to offensive coordinator. During his five-year tenure as coordinator, Roehl helped the Bison secure seven FCS championships. Here’s a look at how his offense performed over those years:
- 2019: 37.3 points per game (9th in FCS)
- 2020: 29.9 points per game (18th)
- 2021: 33.9 points per game (13th)
- 2022: 34.3 points per game (20th)
- 2023: 38.1 points per game (3rd)
Roehl’s coaching success earned him a spot on Matt Campbell’s staff at Iowa State in 2024, where he served as the assistant head coach and running backs coach. Under his guidance, the Cyclones had a historic season, finishing 11-3—the most wins in program history—and capping off the year with a victory over the Miami Hurricanes in the Pop Tarts Bowl.
Now, Roehl is taking the next step in his career, joining the Detroit Lions coaching staff. While his specific role remains unclear, his diverse coaching background, including experience with running backs, fullbacks, and tight ends, positions him as a valuable asset for the Lions’ offense.
For the latest updates on the Lions’ coaching hires and vacancies, keep an eye on their staff changes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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Report: Detroit Lions part ways with defensive assistant coach
The Detroit Lions are reportedly parting ways with assistant defensive line coach Cameron Davis.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Davis, who has been with the team since 2022, will no longer be part of the coaching staff. This comes after the Lions also lost defensive line coach Terrell Williams earlier this offseason, as he took the defensive coordinator role with the New England Patriots to reunite with Mike Vrabel. The Lions have since hired Kacy Rodgers as their new defensive line coach.
This adds to the disruption in the Lions’ defensive coaching staff. Despite this, coach Dan Campbell had expressed satisfaction with the coaching of the defensive line unit.
“I’ve known Terrell a long, long time and I just think that he’s an absolutely excellent coach, and Cam continues to grow as a coach as well and they work well together,” Campbell said in December. “I think they give our guys the best opportunity to have success in a game which is what you want.”
The Lions’ defensive line faced significant injury setbacks this season, with players like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport, Kyle Peko, John Cominsky, and Mekhi Wingo all missing substantial time. Nevertheless, the defense persevered, with strong performances from draft picks Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal.
This marks another coaching vacancy for the Lions, adding to a list of coaches who have departed this offseason, including:
- OC Ben Johnson
- DC Aaron Glenn
- Assistant QB coach J.T. Barrett
- WR coach Antwaan Randle El
- DL coach Terrell Williams
- Assistant DL coach Cameron Davis
