Detroit Lions Face Another Coaching Departure

The coaching carousel continues in Detroit as the Lions lose yet another key staff member. After watching offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett head to the Chicago Bears, former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has now lured another coach away.

This time, it’s tight ends coach Steve Heiden, who will be joining the New York Jets as their new offensive line coach.

Steve Heiden’s Impact on the Lions

Although Heiden’s tenure in Detroit was short, his contributions were significant. Arriving in 2023, he played a crucial role in the breakout rookie season of tight end Sam LaPorta. Under Heiden’s guidance, LaPorta became one of the most dynamic young tight ends in the league, proving to be a vital weapon in Detroit’s offense.

While the Lions’ tight end group experienced some early struggles in 2024, they found their rhythm as the season progressed. Heiden’s ability to develop talent and refine the position was evident, making his departure a notable loss for Detroit.

Finding the Next Tight Ends Coach

With Heiden’s exit, the Lions are now searching for a new leader to oversee their tight end group. Two potential candidates have emerged as strong contenders for the role.

Dan Roushar – Tulane Offensive Line Coach

Roushar brings extensive coaching experience and a deep connection to Lions head coach Dan Campbell. The two worked together in New Orleans, where Roushar originally served as the tight ends coach before transitioning to various roles, including offensive line coach, running backs coach, and run game coordinator.

Notably, Campbell replaced Roushar as New Orleans’ tight ends coach before Roushar later took over the position again. His familiarity with Campbell’s coaching philosophy, along with his relationship with new offensive coordinator John Morton, makes him a strong candidate for the Lions’ vacancy.

Austin King – Broncos Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Another intriguing option is Austin King, who has an established working history with John Morton. The two were on the same coaching staff with the Las Vegas Raiders when Morton served as a senior offensive assistant. During that time, King worked as both a tight ends coach and a quality control coach.

More recently, King has been an assistant offensive line coach with the Denver Broncos, gaining valuable experience under head coach Sean Payton. His versatility and connection to Morton could make him an appealing hire for Detroit.

What’s Next for the Lions?

The departure of Steve Heiden adds to the growing list of coaching changes for the Lions, but Dan Campbell and his staff have proven their ability to adapt. With two strong candidates in Roushar and King, Detroit has options to ensure their tight ends continue to develop and perform at a high level.

As the Lions look to maintain their momentum heading into the 2025 season, hiring the right coach for this position will be another crucial decision in their continued push for success.