The Free Press’ Dave Birkett is reporting that the Detroit Lions are expected to hire Giff Smith as their defensive line coach.
Smith spent the last five seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers defensive line coach, operating their hybrid front. Prior to that, he spent two years with the Tennessee Titans and three seasons with the Buffalo Bills in the same position.
After the Chargers moved on from their coaching staff this offseason, Smith interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys last week, before joining the Lions.
The 10-years NFL veteran coach has been effective in each of his stops. Under his coaching, DT Kyle Williams (Bills), DT Jurrell Kasey (Titans), DE Joey Bosa (Chargers), and EDGE Melvin Ingram III (Chargers) — who is a potential free agent — have combined for eight Pro Bowls.
Bosa also won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 while developing his skillset under Smith.
The Chargers’ Bosa and Ingram have been a formidable duo, registering pressures and sacks on a consistent basis — although recently injuries have caused their statistical production to dip.
Smith has done a nice job of developing players at multiple positions along the defensive line and his experience in 34, 43, and hybrid defensive schemes give the Lions options for how they want to develop their scheme.