Detroit Lions Assistant coach Don Clemons retires - NFL News
The Detroit Lions will need a new assistant coach in the new season as current coach Don Clemons is ready to hang up his training boots after 27 seasons with the franchise.
The news emerged on Sunday, as the 58-year-old in a statement on the Lions official website announced his departure and Clemons is now looking forward to start a new phase in his life.
"I've really enjoyed every part of it and I've been lucky to do it this long at any level. I would have been happy to be at Northern Lehigh High School this long."
“You just know, and when it comes you just look around at the people and know it’s time to let someone else do it.”
Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand praised Clemons contribution to the franchise and wished him luck in all his future endeavours.
"Don Clemons has been one of the great contributors to the Lions organization. He has served nine head coaches, and particularly in our business, that tells you what kind of person and what kind of worker Don Clemons is.”
The ex-Assistant coach does not have anything significant planned currently and will look to relax for the time being.
Clemons will remain with the franchise till the National Football League (NFL) Combine.
The Detroit Lions ended the 2011-12 regular season with a 10-6 record as coach Jim Schwartz and Clemons finally got the best out of the players.
The Lions qualified for a playoff spot for the first time since 1999 but lost out to New Orleans Saints in the wildcard round 45-28.
However, the feat of reaching the playoffs is progress for a team which went 0-16 just three seasons ago and the Lions will be hoping to use that experience as a launching pad for a longer run this year.
With quarterback Matthew Stafford finally paying dividends since joining the franchise as a first round first pick. Stafford put up stats of 5,038 passing yards and 41 touchdowns as he led Detroit to its first 5-0 season start since 1956.
With Clemons now leaving coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew will need to start looking for a replacement soon as the offseason nears its end.
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