Lions hiring ex-Jaguars passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend
Former Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend is set to take the same position with the Detroit Lions, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
Townsend, who also worked as the Jaguars’ cornerbacks coach, was hired by Jacksonville in February 2023 as one of the first members of Doug Pederson’s coaching staff. In January, Townsend was fired along with defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and most of the defensive staff.
Prior to his time in Jacksonville, Townsend played 13 seasons in the NFL, spending all but one of those years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He then transitioned into coaching, spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears before joining the Jaguars’ staff.
The Lions kept most of their coaching staff in tact after reaching the NFC Championship this season. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson both received head coaching interest, but are staying put in Detroit.
The team didn’t have a defensive passing game coordinator during the 2023 season.
