By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are in the process of rebuilding Dan Campbell’s coaching staff after losing seven assistants following their postseason loss to Washington. With several new hires already in place, including David Shaw and Bruce Gradkowski, the search for fresh talent continues.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Lions are expected to add Tyler Roehl, Iowa State’s assistant head coach and running backs coach, to their offensive staff. As of now, the team hasn’t made an official announcement.
Roehl brings a wealth of coaching experience. He joined Iowa State under Matt Campbell after initially agreeing to be Eddie George’s associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Tennessee State. Before that, Roehl spent 10 years at his alma mater, North Dakota State, where he held roles as the offensive coordinator, tight ends coach, and fullbacks coach. During his time there, the Bison won an impressive seven FCS national championships.
Under Roehl’s leadership as offensive coordinator, North Dakota State consistently ranked among the top-scoring offenses in FCS football. Highlights from his tenure include:
- 2019: 37.3 points per game (9th)
- 2020: 29.9 points per game (18th)
- 2021: 33.9 points per game (13th)
- 2022: 34.3 points per game (20th)
- 2023: 38.1 points per game (3rd)
The 39-year-old also brings NFL experience, having played as a running back for the Seattle Seahawks in 2009. His coaching career began in 2010 as the running backs coach at Concordia College in Minnesota. He later returned to North Dakota State as a graduate assistant in 2011 and eventually climbed the ranks as a key part of their coaching staff.
Although Roehl’s specific role with the Lions is still unclear, the departure of Steve Heiden, who left to join Aaron Glenn’s staff with the New York Jets, creates an opening at tight ends coach. Given Roehl’s experience, it seems likely he could step into that position as part of Campbell’s revamped coaching staff.