Detroit Lions Can’t Stop Singing Praises of New RBs Coach

The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, and they’ve made some significant changes during their off-season to continue their upward trajectory. One of the more talked-about moves has been the hiring of the new Running Backs Coach, a decision that has been met with unanimous praise both inside the organization and out. The Lions have not only found someone with deep knowledge of the game, but also a coach who has already made an indelible impact on the players.

As of the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions’ offensive game plan is focused on both revitalizing their running game and providing support to their quarterbacks. With an offense that relies on power running, having a seasoned and innovative running backs coach is essential. Enter the new RB coach—a man whose reputation in football circles is rapidly growing.

The Need for Change

It’s no secret that the Lions’ running game has had its struggles in recent years. While they’ve had flashes of brilliance from players like D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, the consistency required to make the run game a constant threat in the NFL has been lacking. The team’s running backs were often left to shoulder more than their fair share of the offensive burden, with an inconsistent offensive line and quarterback play that failed to open up the running lanes.

With the departure of former RBs coach, the Lions found themselves in need of a fresh voice, someone who could not only develop young talent but also bring a new perspective to a position group that had underperformed. This coach needed to instill a sense of discipline, commitment, and vision within the backfield—a tough but exciting challenge that the team felt was critical for their offensive success.

The Lions didn’t just settle for any candidate. After a meticulous search, they hired a coach whose pedigree in coaching running backs and developing talent speaks for itself. The new RBs coach, who previously made a name for himself in both the college and NFL ranks, came in with a reputation for hard work, attention to detail, and a passion for developing players at every level.

Immediate Impact

From the moment he arrived in Detroit, the new coach immediately made his presence felt. It didn’t take long for the players to realize they had a coach who not only understood the position but also was committed to helping them improve on a personal level. There was no “one-size-fits-all” approach, as each running back was given tailored attention to help them reach their maximum potential.

Jamaal Williams, one of the Lions’ standout running backs, had nothing but praise for the new RBs coach. “He’s got this energy about him that you can’t help but get excited,” Williams said. “He pushes you to be better every day. You can see that he’s been in this game for a while. The way he breaks down everything—it’s like you’re seeing the game from a whole new perspective. You start understanding not just how to run the ball, but why you’re running it that way. It’s all about the details, and he’s on top of every little thing.”

Williams, who became a fan favorite for his energetic and physical style of play, has already noticed the impact this new coach has had on his performance. The RB coach has spent considerable time working with Williams on improving his vision and cutting ability, focusing on small tweaks that have yielded big results. The team’s other running backs have echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the way the coach takes time to work individually with them, even after practice hours.

A Focus on Fundamentals

What has set this new RB coach apart is his emphasis on the fundamentals—his deep belief in mastering the basics to build a strong foundation. The modern NFL has seen an increasing reliance on passing offenses, but running the ball remains a critical part of winning football games. His focus has been on developing running backs who are well-rounded: ball security, patience, vision, and proper footwork. It’s this attention to detail that has earned him the respect of both the veterans and younger players alike.

The coach believes that running backs are often underestimated in their role within an offense, and he works tirelessly to change that perception. “There’s more to being a great running back than just hitting holes,” the coach shared in an interview. “You’ve got to understand how your offensive line is moving, how the defense is playing, and how to make the right decision in a split second. That’s what I work with these guys on, day in and day out.”

His approach is not just about creating explosive plays; it’s about ensuring that every touch, every play, and every opportunity is maximized to its full potential. This isn’t just about accumulating yards—it’s about developing consistency, staying ahead of the curve, and executing with purpose. The running backs are quickly learning that they have to be more cerebral in their approach to the game, and this is a change that many of them are embracing wholeheartedly.

One player who has shown immediate improvement under the new RBs coach is rookie running back Jermar Jefferson. After a promising but inconsistent start to his career, Jefferson has been able to refine his skills under the coach’s tutelage. “He sees things that I wouldn’t even think to look at,” Jefferson admitted. “He teaches me about my body positioning, where I should plant my foot, how to read the defensive front before I get the ball—it’s a complete overhaul of how I see myself as a player. I feel like I’m lightyears ahead of where I was last season, and it’s all thanks to him.”

Building Trust and Accountability

The coach’s leadership style has also been a key factor in his success. He is a no-nonsense kind of leader but understands the importance of building trust and fostering a team-first mentality. While he demands a lot from his players, he’s also quick to offer praise and constructive feedback when necessary. The team’s running backs understand that they are being held accountable for their actions on and off the field, but they also feel supported and empowered to succeed.

A particularly telling example of the coach’s approach came during the Lions’ training camp when the team struggled with a few fumbles in one practice. Instead of reprimanding his players immediately, the RB coach took the group aside for a brief meeting. He calmly explained the mechanics of ball security, shared personal anecdotes about his own mistakes in his playing days, and then worked individually with each player to correct their form. The results were evident the very next practice, with the group showing vastly improved ball security.

It’s this kind of coaching that has endeared him to the players. They know that he’s in their corner, not just as a teacher, but as a mentor who genuinely cares about their growth. And in return, they are eager to put in the work to prove that his faith in them is justified.

The Impact on the Entire Team

It’s not just the running backs who are benefiting from this new coaching regime. Quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and even defensive players have noticed the intensity and passion the RBs coach brings to every practice. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remarked, “The energy he brings to the room is contagious. You can see the guys are more motivated, more focused on their craft. That kind of impact is huge for us as a whole team. It creates a culture of growth and accountability that ripples through the entire organization.”

This is a sentiment echoed by several other players on the team, who have observed the competitive nature that the RB coach fosters. “When you see a guy busting his tail out there, no matter the position, it pushes you to work harder,” said Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff. “That’s the type of atmosphere he’s created. He’s challenging his guys every day, and it’s making everyone else better.”

The Lions have always prided themselves on being a blue-collar team—a group that isn’t afraid to put in the work. The new RBs coach fits that mentality perfectly, and his presence has undoubtedly amplified the team’s collective work ethic.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 season just around the corner, the Lions have high hopes for their running game. The early returns on their new RB coach have been overwhelmingly positive, and many in the NFL believe the team’s offense could surprise some people this year.

With the development of key players like Williams, Jefferson, and Swift, the Lions’ ground attack has the potential to be one of the more dynamic in the league. But it’s not just about individual production—it’s about establishing a unit that can function together with precision and power. That’s the long-term goal, and based on the early work put in by the RB coach and his players, it’s a goal that feels within reach.

In the end, it’s the combination of passion, experience, and dedication that has made the Lions’ new RB coach such an important piece of their puzzle. His impact on the team has been undeniable, and as the season progresses, it will be exciting to see just how far his coaching can take the Detroit Lions.

For now, the praise continues to pour in from every corner of the Lions organization, and it’s clear that this new addition is already a vital part of their quest for success. The future looks bright, and the running backs will be at the forefront of that journey.