February 25, 2025
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Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated Pittsburgh 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Detroit Lions to Interview Larry Foote for Defensive Coordinator Opening

As the Detroit Lions enter the offseason with hopes of building on their promising 2023 campaign, one of the most important decisions they will make is filling the defensive coordinator position. After the departure of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions are looking for a leader to guide their defense to the next level. Among the candidates for the job is Larry Foote, a former linebacker who has built a strong reputation as a coach in the NFL. Foote, who currently serves as the inside linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals, has garnered attention for his leadership skills, football IQ, and ability to develop players at multiple positions. His potential fit for the Lions could be a transformative move for the team, given his experience and track record of success in the league.

The Lions’ Defensive Struggles

The Detroit Lions’ defense has been a significant point of concern for much of the past two decades. Although the team has seen improvements in recent years, it remains a unit that struggles to make stops when it matters most. Under Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defense showed flashes of potential but also struggled with consistency and the ability to close out games. While the Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a potent group of playmakers, has carried the team, the defense has often held them back in critical moments.

In 2023, the Lions finished the season with a defense that ranked 25th in the league in total yards allowed, but they managed to be more opportunistic, with a solid number of takeaways. The defense was also plagued by injuries throughout the season, particularly in the secondary, which led to a lack of continuity and chemistry. As the team looks ahead, one of the top priorities for head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will be to find a defensive coordinator who can maximize the potential of the existing talent on the roster while also addressing the areas of weakness.

Given the promising offensive firepower the Lions possess, it’s imperative that their defense is upgraded to become a more reliable and aggressive unit. In this context, the potential hiring of Larry Foote has generated significant interest, both from fans and analysts alike.

Who is Larry Foote?

Larry Foote is a former NFL linebacker who enjoyed a successful 13-year playing career, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Foote spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh, where he won two Super Bowl championships (XL and XLIII). Known for his leadership on and off the field, Foote was widely regarded as a smart and tough player who brought a high football IQ to the linebacker position. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions during his career before retiring after the 2014 season.

After his playing days ended, Foote transitioned into coaching, quickly making a name for himself. He started his coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 as a coaching intern, and by 2019, he was promoted to inside linebackers coach. Under Foote’s tutelage, the Cardinals’ linebackers have consistently improved, with players like Jordan Hicks, Zaven Collins, and Isaiah Simmons benefiting from his guidance. Foote has built a reputation as a coach who can develop talent, particularly at the linebacker position, and his leadership has been a key factor in the Cardinals’ defensive improvements over the years.

Foote’s coaching style is rooted in the principles he learned as a player in Pittsburgh’s physical, hard-nosed defensive system. He is known for emphasizing discipline, attention to detail, and an ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his players. As a former player who excelled in both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes, Foote possesses the versatility and experience to work with a variety of defensive systems, making him a strong candidate for the Lions’ defensive coordinator position.

Why Larry Foote Makes Sense for the Lions

There are several reasons why Larry Foote could be a perfect fit for the Lions as their next defensive coordinator.

1. NFL Experience and Leadership

Foote’s extensive NFL experience—both as a player and a coach—gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and dynamics of the league. As a two-time Super Bowl champion, he knows what it takes to build a winning defense, and his leadership skills are highly regarded. The Lions’ defense has lacked a strong, authoritative presence in recent years, and Foote could be the type of leader the unit needs to reach its full potential.

2. Defensive Knowledge and Adaptability

Foote has been exposed to multiple defensive systems throughout his career. Under Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, he played in a 3-4 defense that prioritized versatility, gap control, and zone coverage concepts. This experience could serve him well in Detroit, where the team is likely to continue running a 4-3 base defense under head coach Dan Campbell. Foote’s ability to blend various defensive principles, as well as his knowledge of different fronts, coverages, and blitz packages, would allow him to tailor the defense to the strengths of the players on the roster.

3. Player Development

One of Foote’s strengths as a coach has been his ability to develop young players. Under his tutelage, linebackers such as Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons have shown significant progress, and he has earned a reputation for elevating the play of players at the linebacker position. The Lions have a young, talented linebacker corps, including players like Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Derek Barnes. Foote’s expertise in developing linebackers would be a huge asset to a unit that could stand to improve in both coverage and run defense. Additionally, his ability to work with defensive backs and defensive linemen could help round out the overall defensive scheme.

4. The Lions’ Defensive Needs

The Lions’ defense needs to improve in several key areas, including stopping the run, defending against the pass, and creating more turnovers. In 2023, Detroit’s defense ranked in the bottom half of the league in run defense and allowed big plays in critical situations. Foote’s defensive philosophy, which is rooted in physicality, discipline, and awareness, could help address these issues. His experience with building a defense that plays with speed, aggression, and intelligence would be a major asset in terms of tightening up the Lions’ defense and making it more competitive.

5. A Good Fit with Dan Campbell’s Philosophy

Dan Campbell’s vision for the Lions revolves around toughness, grit, and physicality. Foote’s coaching style aligns perfectly with Campbell’s emphasis on building a strong, mentally tough football team. Both Campbell and Foote share a similar mentality, having played for hard-nosed teams in their respective careers. With Foote’s defensive acumen and Campbell’s overall leadership, the two could create a cohesive and effective team dynamic that prioritizes both offensive and defensive success.

Potential Challenges for Foote

While Larry Foote brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, there are potential challenges he would need to navigate as Detroit’s defensive coordinator.

1. Adjusting to the 4-3 Defense

Though Foote’s experience spans both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes, the Lions run a 4-3 base defense. Foote’s most recent experience with the Arizona Cardinals involved coaching linebackers in a 3-4 defense, so there could be an adjustment period as he acclimates to the 4-3 alignment. However, given his football IQ and ability to adapt to different systems, this is not a major obstacle and could be a minor learning curve.

2. Coaching Under a Young Head Coach

Dan Campbell is still relatively new as a head coach, having taken over the Lions in 2021. While Campbell has shown significant promise and leadership qualities, Foote would need to develop a strong working relationship with him and ensure that the defensive philosophy aligns with the overall vision for the team. This dynamic could take time to develop, but both men share a similar mindset, which should ease the process.