Why the Lions fired DB coach Aubrey Pleasant

The Lions have fired defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, coach Dan Campbell confirmed during a news conference Monday. Here’s what you need to know:

Detroit lost its fifth consecutive game Sunday, 31-27 to the Dolphins.
The Lions’ defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game this year.
Pleasant was a sought-after coach this past offseason, interviewing for defensive coordinator jobs with multiple other teams.

The Lions are 1-6 this season. They play the Packers on Sunday.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Backstory

Pleasant joined the Lions staff in 2021 after spending four seasons as the Rams’ cornerbacks coach. He interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs with Minnesota and New Orleans after his first season in Detroit.

He made The Athletic’s NFL 40 under 40 over the summer.

What spurred the coaching change?

The bottom line here: Detroit’s secondary has been a disaster since day one of the Campbell era, and it remains so today. Jeff Okudah has shown improvement this year and is in the midst of his best on-field stretch as a pro. The rest of the group, however, is a mess. Per PFF, starting CB Amani Oruwariye has allowed nearly 79 percent of targets against to be completed this season. He was an imperfect 7-for-7 on Sunday against Miami. – Baumgardner

Campbell said he made the decision Monday morning following Sunday’s loss. Based on his comments Monday, though, this has been building for a few weeks. He called it an accumulation of things. Detroit’s defense has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game and an NFL-worst 32.1 points per game. He called it a “production-based business.” He said he wants the message relayed a little better, adding that the secondary and coaches need to be on the same page and cut mental errors in half. – Pouncy

Who might replace Pleasant?

Campbell said that safeties coach Brian Duker will take over the defensive backs room and Addison Lynch will be more involved, too. Duker is in his second season with the Lions, working as a defensive assistant last season before overseeing safeties this year. Lynch joined the team this summer as a defensive quality control coach. Have to think Glenn will also be more involved. – Pouncy

Why the Lions’ secondary has struggled this season

This is where this gets interesting. The Lions lost starting safety and captain Tracy Walker to a season-ending injury in September. Detroit has not spent any Day 1 or 2 picks on a CB since taking Okudah in 2020. The Lions also haven’t signed any veteran to anything beyond one-year tryouts, other than extending Walker. One could point to coaching. One could also easily point to a massive lack of talent on the roster. – Baumgardner

Take your pick. There isn’t a lot of talent to work with in this secondary. There’s Okudah and then a whole bunch of guys who probably wouldn’t start for other NFL defenses. At the same time, there have been instances where Lions’ defensive backs have looked lost on the field. Clearly, Campbell thinks the communication needs to improve. – Pouncy

Realistic changes the Lions can make to find success on defense

Right now, not much. The Lions need better personnel everywhere in the secondary, and while youngsters like rookie safety Kerby Joseph could be exciting building blocks, it’s just not enough. Detroit needs to spend real money on the secondary this offseason and invest real capital in the defensive backfield if it hopes to improve. – Baumgardner

This is not a quick fix. Coaches have already moved personnel around hoping for better production. The results against Miami were largely the same. They just fired their defensive passing-game coordinator in an effort to spark better communication, but even that might not be enough. General manager Brad Holmes must invest in upgrades this offseason — whether that’s through the draft, free agency or both. – Pouncy

What they’re saying

Campbell said firing Pleasant “was a tough decision,” but added: “We’re in a production-based business and after seven weeks, it felt like this change needed to be made.”

Cornerback Jerry Jacobs tweeted a message to Pleasant on Monday.

Change the way I looked at the game in so many different ways help me better my game as well for that I will always have respect and love for you!!! Wishing you the best and know you’ll bounceback 🙏🏾💯💙
— Jerry Jacobs (@_luhjerry) October 31, 2022