Reaction to Lions Naming Cory Undlin Defensive Coordinator

Lions turn to Eagles defensive backs coach to become the next defensive coordinator

To the surprise of many, the Lions named Cory Undlin the next defensive coordinator on Monday.

Cory Undlin - Lions Defensive Coordinator / © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

He last served as the Eagles defensive backs coach. Some have pointed out the vast struggles of the secondary last season under Undlin. 

Upon closer review, Philadelphia ranked 19th in passing yards allowed last season. 

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme is predicated on pressuring the quarterback up front, even at the expense of the secondary.

Also, Philadelphia dealt with a myriad of injuries the last couple of seasons. Those injuries affected their ability to limit the opposition's offense.

Many players and those close to the Eagles have defended Undlin. 

They indicated he is a coach who displays enthusiasm and has a solid knowledge base of fundamental techniques. He was strongly considered to be the next Eagles defensive coordinator had Schwartz moved on to become a head coach elsewhere.

Edward Kracz of SI Eagles Maven explained, when asked to describe what Undlin brought to the table, that Undlin was an energetic coach that had the support of many players. 

"Undlin was one of the more visibly animated and intense assistants on Doug Pederson's staff, particularly noticeable during training camp when media is allowed to watch entire practices. It was during training camp a couple years ago when Undlin was particularly pleased with a play made by one of his defensive backs and sprinted down the sideline to give him a high five. That was when a receiver said he was held. Undlin screamed at the receiver, "he beat you, now get back in the huddle."

Let's take a look at the reaction of fans and media to Undlin's hiring.

Let’s be honest, they were ravaged by injuries in the secondary. I wouldn’t look at how a beat-up unit played as an indication of his readiness. He seems pretty respected https://t.co/5l11aiLlIq

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 13, 2020

With Undlin’s experience being with DBs, likey means they need to hit it out of the park with the LB coach hire

— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) January 13, 2020

Whenever I would ask players who internally could replace Jim Schwartz, Undlin was always the answer.

Some seemed to want to blame the #Eagles CB issues on him. Not here. Personnel was the primary issue.

This is a good opportunity for him, although he won’t initially call plays https://t.co/QdUZABAc11

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 13, 2020

Yes, injuries aren't an excuse, but before referencing the Eagles' 2019 stats with the Undlin hire, it's worth noting five of the team's top six cornerbacks missed a combined 32 games last season.

— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) January 13, 2020

You might get a 80-20 👎from the fans but we will have to see

— Arthur Smith (@Detcookieman74) January 13, 2020

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

— Lions Kool-Aid drinker (@osmosejerry) January 13, 2020

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