Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Hire Linehan to be O-Coordinator

The Lions hired former Vikings and Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who is also the recently terminated head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

Linehan has been very successful as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. He has also coached a team that possessed a dynamic receiver, Randy Moss, and will not struggle to find ways to get Calvin Johnson the ball, like Jim Colletto did last season.

Immediately, many observers would think that Daunte Culpepper’s familiarity with Linehan’s offense would seem to give him an early advantage in the Lions Qb race.

Not so fast, the Lions, who owe Culpepper a large off-season bonus, are eschewing that Culpepper’s return is a given, and don’t forget that Drew Stanton will also possess some familiarity with Linehan’s offense.

Stanton played at Michigan State under John L. Smith (believe me, I’ve tried to forget), and Linehan and Smith are old proteges from Linehan’s time at Louisville. So if anybody stands to benefit, it’s likely Stanton in the current pecking order.

One thing to expect is, that whomever is eventually the team’s quarterback, they will likely throw for 4,000 yards under Linehan’s direction and playcalling. He has built an unquestioned track record of explosive, vertical-passing offenses that may not have ever enjoyed a talent with the character and incredible abilities that Calvin Johnson currently possesses.

Overall, I would rate the experience and philosophies of both Gunther Cunningham and Scott Linehan as very positive signs. Obviously, their past successes issues no guarantees, but I do believe that if the Lions have a successful off-season replenishing their roster, they will improve significantly.