The Lions have decided to make some changes to their coaching staff after getting off to a 1-6 start. The team announced on Monday that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been fired.
The Lions also dumped offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn and assistant offensive line coach Terry Heffernan.
Lombardi, who's the grandson of former Packers coach Vince Lombardi, will be replaced by Lions quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter. Washburn's job as offensive line coach will be filled by tight ends coach Ron Prince.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell talked to the media on Monday before the firings were announced and was mum when asked if the team would shake up its coaching staff.
"We evaluate all the time, so we look at every single thing -- every avenue -- trying to get better," Caldwell said, via the Detroit News. "Particularly where we are, right? We better look at everything. It's always been a day-to-day business, and it's no different today."
The decision to shake up the Lions offensive staff makes sense. Through seven weeks, the Lions are 29th in the NFL points scored and last in rushing. Overall, the Lions offense currently ranks 20th in the NFL.
CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora has reported that it's not expected that Caldwell will have a more hands-on role in game planning and play calling. Caldwell called plays for the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning team in 2012 after Cam Cameron was fired in the middle of the season.
The Lions have been trying to get their passing game going, but that's been almost impossible due to the lack of protection that Matthew Stafford's been getting. The Lions quarterback was sacked seven times in Sunday's 28-19 loss to Minnesota.
