The Detroit Lions are in the process of shaping their defensive unit for the 2025 season, and one of the names being considered for the position of Defensive Coordinator is Larry Foote, a well-respected coach and former NFL player. Foote’s potential hiring is stirring excitement among Lions fans and analysts alike, as the team looks to improve its defense and continue its upward trajectory in the NFC North.
Who is Larry Foote?
Larry Foote is a former NFL linebacker who played in the league for 13 seasons. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Foote attended the University of Michigan, where he was a standout player before entering the NFL in 2002. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft and quickly became known as a reliable, hard-hitting linebacker. Over the course of his playing career, Foote had successful stints with the Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions. He was a key part of the Steelers’ defense, helping them win two Super Bowls (XL and XLIII) during his tenure with the team.
After retiring as a player, Foote transitioned to coaching, initially serving as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Steelers. His coaching career has seen steady growth, with Foote demonstrating a keen understanding of defensive schemes, player development, and team leadership. He is known for his football IQ, ability to relate to players, and his passion for coaching, all of which have earned him respect around the league.
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Vacancy
The Detroit Lions are currently in need of a new defensive coordinator after parting ways with Aaron Glenn. Glenn served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator since 2021, and while the team showed signs of improvement during his tenure, there were also notable inconsistencies. The Lions finished the 2024 season with a defense that ranked in the bottom half of the league in several categories, including yards allowed and points scored per game. With an offense that has become one of the most potent in the NFL, the team is looking to bolster its defense to become a more well-rounded contender in the NFC.
Detroit has already taken significant strides in building a competitive team, thanks in part to the development of quarterback Jared Goff, the emergence of young stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the strong leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. However, to take the next step toward becoming a championship contender, the Lions must improve on the defensive side of the ball. The hire of a defensive coordinator with a proven track record and deep understanding of the game is essential, and Larry Foote has emerged as one of the leading candidates.
Why Larry Foote?
1. Detroit Ties and Football Knowledge
One of the most compelling reasons for the Lions to consider Larry Foote as their next defensive coordinator is his deep-rooted connection to the city and the team. Foote was born and raised in Detroit, and after his playing career, he has maintained strong ties to the city. His understanding of the local culture and his passion for football in Michigan give him an edge when it comes to connecting with both players and fans.
Foote’s experience as a former NFL player also cannot be overstated. As a linebacker who played in multiple Super Bowls and contributed to one of the most successful defenses in NFL history with the Steelers, Foote brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build a championship-caliber defense. Having played under legendary defensive coaches like Dick LeBeau in Pittsburgh, Foote understands how to coach a defense that is both aggressive and fundamentally sound.
2. Successful Coaching Background
Foote’s coaching career began with the Steelers, where he served as a defensive assistant and eventually became the linebackers coach. Under his guidance, the Steelers’ linebackers have consistently been among the league’s best. Foote played a key role in the development of young players like T.J. Watt and Devin Bush, both of whom have become standout defensive players. His ability to cultivate talent and coach up younger players will be vital for a Lions defense that includes promising young talent.
In addition to his work with linebackers, Foote’s coaching philosophy is centered on toughness, discipline, and creating turnovers. This mindset is one that could resonate well with the Lions’ roster, which is known for its physicality and hard-nosed approach to the game. Foote’s defensive schemes often emphasize pressure on the quarterback, stopping the run, and forcing turnovers—areas where the Lions could stand to improve.
3. A Player’s Coach
Larry Foote has a reputation as a “player’s coach,” someone who is able to build strong relationships with his players and earn their respect. His ability to connect with players is one of the reasons why he’s considered an effective coach. Given that the Lions’ roster has several young and developing players, including linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, safety Kerby Joseph, and defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, Foote’s ability to mentor these players could accelerate their growth.
Foote also has the temperament to handle the pressure of being a defensive coordinator in the NFL. He knows what it takes to succeed in the league, having played for some of the most successful teams of his era. His leadership and coaching style would likely foster a strong sense of accountability and unity within the defense.
4. Adaptability and Defensive Philosophy
Larry Foote is known for his adaptability when it comes to defensive schemes. While he comes from a background that is heavily influenced by Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense under Dick LeBeau, Foote has shown an ability to adjust to the needs of his players and the schemes of the teams he’s worked with. Whether it’s working with a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, Foote has the experience to build a defense that plays to the strengths of his personnel.
Given the Lions’ current defensive roster, a flexible approach would be valuable. The Lions have talent in various areas of the defense, including edge rushers like Hutchinson, young cornerbacks like Emmanuel Moseley, and safeties like Joseph. Foote’s experience in molding defenses to fit personnel strengths could help the Lions create a more balanced and aggressive unit.
The Lions’ Defensive Needs
To understand why Larry Foote could be an ideal fit for the Lions, it’s important to look at the areas where the team needs improvement. Despite showing flashes of promise on defense in recent years, the Lions have struggled in several key areas:
- Pass Rush: The Lions have lacked consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While Aidan Hutchinson had a standout rookie season, the overall pass rush has been inconsistent. Foote could help maximize the potential of Hutchinson and other pass rushers, creating a defense that can generate pressure without needing to blitz constantly.
- Run Defense: Detroit’s run defense has also been problematic, particularly against power running teams. A more disciplined, gap-controlled defense under Foote could improve the Lions’ ability to stop the run, which has been a weak point in recent seasons.
- Turnovers: While the Lions defense has been opportunistic at times, they have not created turnovers consistently enough to shift momentum in their favor. Foote’s emphasis on ball-hawking and forcing mistakes could help the Lions become more disruptive on defense.
- Consistency: One of the most frustrating aspects of the Lions’ defense in recent years has been its inability to consistently execute at a high level. Foote’s experience with a variety of defensive schemes and his focus on fundamentals could help the Lions eliminate mental lapses and become a more consistent unit.
