Former Pro Bowl Cornerback Joins Detroit Lions Coaching Staff

The Detroit Lions are reuniting with a familiar face. Former Pro Bowl cornerback Dre' Bly announced that he is joining the team as their cornerbacks coach.

I’m excited to announce that I have joined the Detroit Lions as the Cornerbacks Coach! Thank you to Mrs. Sheila Ford Hamp and the rest of the Ford Family, DC Aaron Glen, GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell for an opportunity to come back home! #DetroitLions#OnePride Let’s Go! pic.twitter.com/omowTv9zyX
— Dré Bly (@drebly_32) February 2, 2023

Bly earned two Pro Bowls with the Lions from 2003 to 2004, nabbing 10 interceptions and breaking up 34 passes. He was one of the few highlights from a miserable Lions decade that saw the team post 10 consecutive losing seasons. For his career, he logged an impressive 43 interceptions and 150 passes defended over 167 appearances.

Bly is making a habit of hooking back up with his former teams. He served as cornerbacks coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2019 to 2022; he spent his college years with the team, earning two All-Americans and setting an ACC record for career interceptions (20).

Given his remarkable achievements as a player, Bly should command respect as a coach. His deep ties to the Lions organization should allow him time to grow into his role. If he continues to progress, it may not be long before he becomes a head coaching candidate. Maybe another one of his former teams will be interested.