The Carolina Panthers may not have been able to get their hands on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. But it does look like they’re coming away with another one of their esteemed assistants.
As first reported by ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano on Wednesday afternoon, Lions assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley will be joining the Panthers staff.
Per sources, Lions Assistant head coach/RBs coach Duce Staley is leaving to join Frank Reich's Carolina Panthers staff.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 1, 2023
Staley was previously a member of the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff from 2011 to 2020. He served in numerous roles—including as the special teams quality control coach, running backs coach and assistant head coach.
Panthers new head coach Frank Reich would, of course, cross paths with Staley over in Philadelphia. Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles from 2016 to 2017, when Staley was there heading the backfield.
Before beginning his move to the sidelines, Staley pieced together a 10-year playing career from 1997 to 2006. The former running back amassed 5,785 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns between stints with the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
It is not yet clear what position the West Columbia, S.C. native will have for Reich and the Panthers.
