'It's Different': Dre Bly Says Lions Coaching Staff Are Great Leaders

Dre Bly sees similarities in how Dan Campbell leads to how Dick Vermeil led the Rams.

New Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Dre Bly played one season for St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil back in 1999. 

After winning a Super Bowl with the Rams and then concluding his NFL career, the talented defensive back now has entered the world of coaching. 

The 2023 season will be Bly's first working with the Lions defensive backs. 

Appearing on Woodward Sports, the 45-year-old position coach shared what makes the Lions coaching staff special and how Dan Campbell's leadership is similar to Vermeil's. 

"I had the chance to play for a phenomenal coach, just for one year in Dick Vermeil," Bly said. "And the one thing I would say about Dickie V was that he was a great leader. He had everybody bought in our locker room. The bond, the brotherhood that we had was tremendous, but it all trickled down from up top. The best led teams, to me, are ones that win football games. 

"I think that's something that we have here in Detroit," Bly continued. "I talked about the staff that Dan was able to put together. It's different, man. I don't think there's another staff or at least not many like us in the NFL, man. We have a lot of like-minded guys. I think guys are very secure in their abilities and who they are. A lot of guys I got a lot in common with. I'm excited, man."

Bly understands the passion of the fanbase and wants to be able to bring Detroit playoff wins and championships, something he could not accomplish during his stint from 2003-2006. 

"I know that at the end of the day, what wins championships, what leads guys championships are great leaders," Bly said. "And I would say that this staff has, I'm confident in saying that this staff has some some outstanding leaders. I'm excited to be a part of that group of men."

Early impressions of Jeff Okudah

One of the players Bly can assist in his tenure is Jeff Okudah, the former No. 3 overall pick in the draft. 

Bly is also excited to begin working with a defensive backs unit that is now expected to play at a much higher level in 2023. 

"Jeff, he's a guy that loves ball," said Bly. "You know, obviously, he was a top pick. I haven't met him, don't really know much about him. We talked when I got hired and I had a couple of conversations with him. So, I haven't laid eyes on him in-person. But just like you said, he was a guy that did some good things this past year." 

When asked how Okudah has grown as a player, Bly expressed, "I would say, for the most part, is being available. You know, fighting past the injury bug and being out there. But he's a guy that a lot of people are excited about. He obviously is a top pick that came from Ohio State. I'm sure Braylon (Edwards) probably don't like that. I know we had a talented team prior to the signings that we had. I'm interested to  get going in the next couple of weeks or so after the draft."