Detroit Lions DC Paul Pasqualoni, OL coach Jeff Davidson stepping down

It turns out the Detroit Lions will be making more coaching changes in 2020. After firing six coaches earlier in the week, including special teams coordinator John Bonamego, the Lions announced on Thursday that defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson are stepping away from coaching football.

Head coach Matt Patricia offered these statements on both coached.

Pasqualoni:

“Coach Pasqualoni notified me this week that he will be stepping away from the Lions to be closer to his family. Coach P is one of the best men I’ve ever been around, on both personal and professional levels. I owe him so much and I’m grateful of the impact he had on our players, coaches and support staff. He will continue to be a great sounding board for me as a coach, father and leader. I wish him and his family well as they begin the new year together.”

Davidson:

“Coach Davidson recently informed me that he will take an indefinite leave from coaching. Jeff was an invaluable resource to me during the past two seasons and his leadership will be greatly missed. He has left the door open to a coaching return in future years and I fully support his personal decision to spend time away from the game. I thank him for his dedication to our team and wish him and his family all the best.”

Pasqualoni stepping down is particularly interesting, because just a few weeks ago, he expressed to the media that he had no intentions of not coaching football in the future.

“I hope I’m coaching for a long time. I have no intention of not working,” Pasqualoni said at the beginning of the month.

Here’s a look at the eight vacancies the Lions have now:

• Offensive line coach
• Tight ends coach
• Defensive coordinator
• Linebackers coach
• Defensive backs coach
• Special teams coordinator
• Assistant strength and performance coach
• Football performance coordinator