Detroit Lions Retain Defensive Coach Jim O'Neil, Boosting 2026 Outlook

The Lions' decision to promote O'Neil and keep their defensive staff intact could give them an edge over rivals.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a football game, using the Detroit Lions' official team colors to conceptually represent the team's coaching continuity and defensive strategy.The Detroit Lions' decision to retain their defensive coaching staff, led by Jim O'Neil, could give them a strategic edge in the 2026 season.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions narrowly avoided a coaching crisis by promoting safeties coach Jim O'Neil to assistant head coach, retaining a key member of their defensive staff. O'Neil, who was being courted by the New York Jets for their defensive coordinator role, has been credited with transforming the Lions' secondary and developing standout players like Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

Why it matters

Maintaining coaching continuity is crucial in the NFL, where staff turnover is common. The Lions' ability to keep their defensive coaching staff intact, led by O'Neil, could give them a competitive advantage as they aim to elevate their defense's performance in the 2026 season.

The details

Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that O'Neil was on the verge of joining the Jets before the Lions stepped in with a promotion and likely a substantial salary increase to keep him. O'Neil's impact on the Lions' defense has been significant, as he has turned players like Branch and Joseph into standouts. His adaptability was also evident when injuries struck, as reserves like Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper stepped up and delivered.

  • In a surprising revelation, the Lions' head coach, Dan Campbell, disclosed that their highly-regarded safeties coach, Jim O'Neil, was on the verge of joining the New York Jets.
  • The Lions, recognizing O'Neil's value, swiftly stepped in with a counteroffer, promoting him to safeties coach/assistant head coach.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Jim O'Neil

The safeties coach for the Detroit Lions, who was promoted to assistant head coach to keep him from joining the New York Jets.

Brian Branch

A player on the Detroit Lions' defense who was transformed by O'Neil's coaching.

Kerby Joseph

An All-Pro player on the Detroit Lions' defense who was developed by O'Neil.

Avonte Maddox

A reserve player on the Detroit Lions' defense who stepped up when injuries struck, thanks to O'Neil's coaching.

Thomas Harper

A reserve player on the Detroit Lions' defense who stepped up when injuries struck, thanks to O'Neil's coaching.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.