Wednesday open thread: Is it time for the Lions to find a new special teams coordinator?

The Detroit Lions have struggled mightily thus far in the season on special teams. While Sam Martin has been firing on all cylinders, as predicted by yours truly, every other unit has struggled to some capacity, and it’s getting to the point where watching the Lions special teams units is taxing on the heart.

Question of the day: Is it time for the Lions to find a new special teams coordinator?

My answer: Yes.

John Bonamego’s special teams units had a lot of success with the Lions in his first stint with the team back in 2013-14 before becoming head coach at Central Michigan. But all that special teams magic seemingly wore off and Detroit can’t seem to get any of the basics right.

Every punt or punt return makes the field look like the Steelers’ bleachers because of all the yellow laundry, and it’s getting bad enough that it’s significantly harming the Lions’ field position on a regular basis. The Lions have the second worst in Special Teams DVOA through the first two weeks.

More recently, Matt Prater struggled with kicking duties, and Don Muhlbach has been woefully inconsistent thus far in the season—wo uncharacteristic performances from both players. Additionally, rookie safety Will Harris blew his coverage that led to a blocked punt in Week 1.

While Bonamego isn’t kicking or blocking, he’s responsible for putting the right personnel on special teams units and making sure the best players are on the field and operating in sync

Bonamego may have had some success with the Lions before, but the league and the way penalties are being called is evolving, and if he can’t evolve with it, he’s got to go too.

Your turn.