Taylor Decker Shares What He Told Duce Staley After Departure

The Lions have respect for former running backs coach Duce Staley.

The Detroit Lions have been able to enhance the culture of the locker room and the organization, due to bringing in players and hiring coaches who fit the identify of the fanbase. 

Duce Staley quickly became accepted by supporters due to his grittiness and willingness to coach the running backs hard. 

He repeatedly told D'Andre Swift he can be among the best running backs in the NFL, if the proper work ethic and mindset are focused on daily. 

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Appearing on the "Honolulu Blues" podcast, left tackle Taylor Decker shared his reaction to the news that Staley was leaving the organization to join the Carolina Panthers. 

"Duce called me this morning," Decker shared. "We probably talked for 10 to 15 minutes about it. I believe he called every single person, at least on the offense. I believe he called all of them before he called me. He said he had spoken to all the running backs. He was trying to reach every single guy individually. I know there's been a little bit of details out to the media that it was -- it's for personal reasons. It's not because he doesn't want to be a part of our organization. It's not because he doesn't love us, but he needs to do what's best for his family.

"I respect him as a man for that, because he's a guy's guy and a man's man," Decker continued. "He's got to handle his business. And, you can't say a bad thing about that, especially given the fact that he joined the Lions organization when we were coming off some really tough times. And, I remember one of his first meetings with the team. He kind of took pride in wanting to come here and build something special."

Strong bonds between players and coaches tend to form as a result of significant time spent together. The relationship between Decker and Staley was no different.

Detroit's starting left tackle shared what he told Staley during one of their final interactions before he departed the organization. 

"I was like, 'Man, you're being a man, and you're doing what you have to do.' And, it's a hard decision. But, I'm sure -- Dan (Campbell), I know for a fact Dan was like, 'Absolutely, you do what you got to do.' I know all of us will miss him and wish him the best."