According to a report from Ian Rapoport, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is expected to interview for the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator vacancy.
Former #Lions OC Jim Bob Cooter is slated to interview for the #Browns OC job, source said. His work with Matthew Stafford during the 2017 season stands out. Now, potentially Baker Mayfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2019
Cooter, of course, was notified his contract would not be renewed following the conclusion of the Lions’ 6-10 season.
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GM Bob Quinn: Team is tougher since I took over
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn recently spoke to media members and stated his belief that the team is tougher to play against since he took the reigns in January of 2016.
During his first two years as GM, the Lions finished 9-7 both times with average offensive and defensive numbers. Though the defense remained average during head coach Matt Patricia’s first year, the offense took a dip in efficiency, ranking 25th overall in scoring.
But Quinn is choosing to look more at the intangibles rather than the hard numbers.
“I think we’re a more physical team,” Quinn said. “I think we have a much better and sound, fundamentally, defense, especially run defense. I think we play a physical brand of football, which before, I didn’t think that was the case my first year or two. I think this year, we drastically improved that. …I think the same thing can be said for the offensive line and the running game. I know that part’s better.”
This past season, the team offense ran the ball over 400 times, the first time with that many since 2013. They also averaged their most yards per carry since 2012.
“I think that’s something that we want to build this team around, because I think that lasts over the long haul,” Quinn said.
Following the acquisition of Damon “Snacks” Harrison, the Lions were able to limit opponents to 3.6 yards per carry after struggling to stop the run earlier in the year.
