Lions coach Jim Caldwell is putting together his first staff in Detroit and he’s decided to hold onto at least one assistant from Jim Schwartz’s staff.
The Lions confirmed that special teams coordinator John Bonamego will return for the 2014 season despite the change in coaches. Bonamego joined the team in 2013 and oversaw units that were solid across the board. The Lions didn’t allow a touchdown return on kickoffs or punts after allowing four of them in 2012 and Jeremy Ross provided a spark to their own return game with a pair of touchdowns.
Ravens defensive backs coach Teryl Austin is expected to join the team as defensive coordinator, which would fill two of the three coordinator spots.
Bonamego’s the only return that’s been announced by the team, but Caldwell is expected to hold onto several other Schwartz assistants. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn will return, while Justin Rogers of MLive.com reports that running backs coach Curtis Modkins and defensive line assistant Jim Washburn are also expected to return.
Per Birkett, quarterbacks coach Todd Downing, offensive assistant Kyle Valero and assistant linebackers coach Brad Banta will not be back on the staff for the 2014 season.