The Detroit Lions have already made a major change to their coaching staff, terminating offensive coordinator John Morton and replacing him with former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
But now, the Lions are losing another member of the coaching leadership staff. Mike Clark, the club’s director of sports performance, is announcing his retirement, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
“He’s retiring,” Campbell explained. “He’s someone I’ve known a long time, he’s been in this profession for 50 years, and he’s one of these, you know – you go inside those circles, he’s a legend. I’ve lived it firsthand; the guy has been unbelievable. I’ve loved the program, everything he’s brought to the table. We’re going to miss him, we’re going to miss him.
But he felt like it was time, and Josh Schuler will be the head strength coach, and he’ll be running that area, taking care of business over there. He’s earned that as well; he’s learned from Mike. We’re excited moving forward.”
Campbell has known Clark since he was his strength coach at Texas A&M, where they also worked together from 1995 through 1998.
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Josh Schuler Will Take Over Mike Clark’s Role With The Detroit Lions
Campbell announced that Josh Schuler, who is going into his 10th season with the team and sixth as their head strength and conditioning coach, will take over Clark’s role.
“He’s earned that and learned from Mike,” Campbell said of Schuler. “We’re excited moving forward.”
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The Detroit Lions Fired John Morton And Hired Drew Petzing
Drew Petzing took over the role of offensive coordinator for the Lions after John Morton was terminated after a single season with the club. Fans will remember that Morton had his play-calling duties taken away from him by Campbell midway through the season, who assumed them himself.
“I’ve always liked Drew from afar,” Campbell said of Petzing. “Through the years, what he was able to do offensively, I always liked it. There was creativity to it. We’re going to be versatile. He gives us that ability to make the most of what we have.”
“I’ve seen the tape. I know what the tape is. I just think he’s a creative guy and can make things happen. ‘Tell me what I got and I’ll figure this out.’ I love that,” Campbell said.
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