Bryan Chiu fired, replaced by Kelly Bates

[Hambone]

I suppose some form of change in the coaching staff was imminent even if only to shake things up or send a message. From purely a coaching perspective I don't believe changing out the OLC will have immediate impact. Much of the OLC's focus and responsibility is on technique and footwork. Expecting Bates to immediately influence change in Jackson's scheme and approach isn't realistic. That will take time unless as part of the full examination promised by Claybrooks they have identified and will be immediately making changes to that offensive scheme. If not then improvement will have to come in the form of the mental aspects and attitudes of the OL. Often when coaching changes happen players do shoulder some guilt in the feeling that they failed the fired staff member. If the OL had strong connection and belief in Chiu then they should feel like they let him down and will come out this week more focused and determined to be better. If they didn't have confidence in him they should come out with the same attitude and feeling of a fresh start with Bates.

[Orange_crush]

Clearly had to be done.Too many times this O line seemed unaware of snap count,blocking scheme.That cannot happen in professional sports.Clearly on coaching.Hopefully Bates gets the O line back on track.And Lions' can pick up some NFL cuts for O line.Next to go should be Atillio.But thats another thread.

[B.C.FAN]

Ed Willes says the decision to fire Bryan Chiu came from GM Ed Hervey. Willes also says "it's believed" that Hervey's two-year contract has been extended, although Hervey declined comment on that Monday.

The decision to fire Chiu came from Hervey. Both the general manager and Claybrooks said on Monday the move was reached by mutual accord, but it originated from the GM’s office and there wasn’t a lot of deliberation before the announcement was made.

“I’ve always wanted to give the coach the ability to pick the staff he wants,” Hervey said without elaborating.

He then added: “It’s unfair to have a quarterback sit back there and take that kind of beating and hope it was going to change. We as an organization didn’t believe it was going to change.”

What this reveals about the relationship between Hervey and Claybrooks will be played out over the final eight games of the Lions’ season. Hervey has a lot invested in Claybrooks. He’s also aware that bringing him back as the head coach will be a tough sell if the Lions finish 3-15 this year.

But there are further complications. With the team heading towards a sale this offseason, Claybrooks is in the first year of a three-year deal with a club option. It’s believed Hervey’s original two-year contract with the Lions was extended, but that’s never been announced by the club and Hervey declined to comment on the matter on Monday.

When asked about the head coach’s job security, Hervey said; “It’s a constant evaluation on all of us, and the accountability fuse is a lot shorter now.”

Ed Willes' musings: Lions coaching staff on the hot seat despite Chiu's departure

[TheLionKing]

https://www.bclions.com/2019/09/02/bate ... ys-a-lion/

[Toppy Vann]

That statement by Hervey suggests no accountability on his part - just how his dear precious QB shouldn't be on his ass.

Why isn't the OLINE better - personnel .. and if there were a coach who seems to get in a rut to make it easy for the DEF to get after the QB - it'd be Jarius Jackson.

[B.C.FAN]

Haven't seen enough from Norman or Renfroe (especially the latter) to make them more attractive than Nationals. Any word on when Godber will be ready?

Godber is eligible to come off the IR on Sept. 21 but I haven’t heard an update on his recovery.

Godber has been moved from the 6-game injured list to the 1-game list so that is promising. The O-line is playing well lately but I don’t want to see the Lions using 3 Americans indefinitely.

[The_Pauser]

So far so good with the coaching change. Just goes to show that coaching changes in-season can be beneficial.

[DanoT]

So far so good with the coaching change. Just goes to show that coaching changes in-season can be beneficial.

The key in this case is that the Lions had someone who was capable and available as a mid season replacement and that is not normally the case.

[Hambone]

Haven't seen enough from Norman or Renfroe (especially the latter) to make them more attractive than Nationals. Any word on when Godber will be ready?

Godber is eligible to come off the IR on Sept. 21 but I haven’t heard an update on his recovery.

Godber has been moved from the 6-game injured list to the 1-game list so that is promising. The O-line is playing well lately but I don’t want to see the Lions using 3 Americans indefinitely.

Good to hear. He can continue practicing while on the 1G. At least it makes him available to return should an injury dictate a ratio change. IMO he was the original Plan A to be the replacement for Husband at center.