Detroit Lions part ways with lead athletic trainer Dave Granito

On Friday night, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed a report from Woodward Sports’ Kory Woods that the team has parted ways with lead athletic trainer Dave Granito.

Granito was hired by the team in 2019, under Matt Patricia. He had previously served as the Director of Athletic Training for the University of Michigan and an athletic trainer for the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Campbell made it clear that Granito’s firing had nothing to do with how he was medically treating the players, but there was an issue with communication.

“Felt like this was the way we needed to go,” Campbell said. “I don’t really want to get into details why. I can tell you this, our guys were getting proper treatment, it was nothing like that. It felt like we needed to go another way. Communication, some of those things, so we did make that move.”

Cornerback Jeff Okudah, who rehabbed this offseason after core surgery, specifically mentioned Granito by name during training camp as someone who helped him prepare for the season.

“I think that’s a testament to the staff that the Detroit Lions have, and me and (trainer) Tom Colt we put in a lot of work. Dave Granito, this offseason, every single day just getting after it,” Okudah said. “I’m definitely thankful that was I was able to stay and get a chance to work with them.”

Campbell said they are talking to some replacements, but for now Tom Colt will take over as the interim lead trainer.

“We put some stress on him, and he’s answered the bell and been outstanding.”