Lions Add 2-Time Super Bowl Winner to Coaching Staff: Report

The Lions have yet to officially announce the hiring. As a result, it’s uncertain whether Lions 2023 cornerback coach Dré Bly will continue on the staff in a different capacity.

The 2023 season was Bly’s debut as Lions cornerbacks coach.

Townsend began his NFL career as a fourth-round choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998. He played 13 seasons for Pittsburgh and won two Super Bowls.

Townsend spent five years as the Steelers’ reserve cornerback. During that time, he only made the odd start.

However, in 2003, he started eight games. He then became a full-time starter for the NFL’s No. 1 defense in 2004, when the Steelers went 15–1.

Townsend primarily began from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he returned to a reserve role, but this time as the nickel cornerback on a league-leading defense.

During the five years in which Townsend started at least four games (at least 12 from 2004 to 2007), the Steelers won two Super Bowls.

Townsend played his final season in Pittsburgh in 2009. He finished his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2010.
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In 191 NFL games, Townsend recorded 21 interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He also recorded 15.5 sacks and 112 pass defenses.

Townsend started his coaching career as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. After two seasons in Arizona, he became the cornerbacks coach at Mississippi State