The Detroit Lions‘ defense has failed to improve in 2022 and many thought it was just a matter of time before Dan Campbell made the decision to move on from defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn. On Monday, Campbell did make a change but Glenn still has his job. Instead, news broke that defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant has been relieved of his duties following the Lions debacle on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
What did Dan Campbell say about why he fired Aubrey Pleasant?
After the news broke, Campbell spoke to reporters and explained why he made the decision to move on from Pleasant.
“I think Aubrey’s a hell of a coach,” Campbell said in an opening statement. “I’ve got a ton of respect for him. It was a tough decision, but we’re a production-based business. After seven weeks, it just felt like this change needed to be made. I wish him the best of luck. I appreciate everything he’s put into this. He put his heart and soul into everything he did.”
Campbell made it clear that his decision to fire Pleasant was not just based on Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
“No. Listen, I think that it’s all encompassing after seven weeks,” Campbell said. It’s just… with where we’re at. There again, I just think something needed to be—something needed to change.
“I just want to see us all on the same page,” Campbell said. “If we’re going to get beat, it’s because we’re—maybe we’re getting outrun or we’re not quite in-phase, but at least we’re kinda there. We gotta cut our mentals (errors) in half.”
Campbell added that he still sees Pleasant as an NFL-caliber coach and he sees him getting another opportunity down the line.
“I still believe he’s a hell of a coach, it’s just sometimes things don’t work out,” Campbell said. “And absolutely I do (see him continuing to coach in the NFL). I see him getting another opportunity and I see him continuing to grow and climb again at some point, somewhere. I do.”
