Detroit Lions current interim head coach Darrell Bevell made a huge decision today by firing special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs.
This comes after Coombs decided to fake a punt yesterday during a loss to Tennessee. Coombs made the move on his own without telling anyone.
Lions made a seemingly stunning decision to fire Brayden Coombs. I've been told by a source in the organization that this was a cultural decision and yesterday's fake punt, which Coombs called without running it by anyone else, was what sealed the decision.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) December 21, 2020
If you ask me… Bevell should have just went for it here. Bevell made Coombs go for it. There is no way that you punt while you’re down 14 with 5 yards to gain. Coombs decided to take that manner into his own hands and running a direct snap which ended up being inches short.
Inches short. If he gets the first, Coombs doesn’t get fired. It’s safe to say that. He didn’t get the first, so now? He’s fired. Seems soft. Shouldn’t you have trust in your coaching staff?
Asked about the call after the game, interim Lions coach Darrell Bevell said: “As far as the decision, the punt, we like some of the fakes that we had. We feel like our (personal protector) is a guy that’s got some good speed, have an opportunity to have the edge blocked and get him on the edge, so we ended up going with that. We could have definitely left the offense out there as well.”
Or is it because Bevell seems Coombs as someone whose a better fit than him? Bevell deserves to be upset for not knowing, but to fire someone is ridiculous. If you’re firing anyone, why not let that be the defensive coordinator who can’t draw up a defense to save his life.
Jack Fox ranks second in with a 45.3-yard net punting average and the Lions have three blocked punts and a blocked extra point.
Lions fans aren’t too happy:
So the Lions and their interim head coach fired their best coordinator Brayden Coombs because he called a fake punt without the permission/knowledge of the interim head coach?
— Mark (@TheMarkMathur) December 21, 2020
This organization just continues to find new ways to show everybody what a joke they are.#OnePride
You don’t fire a coach with a winning mindset. End of story. Bev didn’t go for it on 4th down losing by 14. Coombs’ decision (if successful) gave the team a chance to cut the lead by 7.
— Grogu (@ChrisSalts) December 21, 2020
Done arguing this point.
Yup, if this is Bevell’s try out, not going for it is a huge red flag for me. This situation is exposing 2 coaches, not just the one fired. https://t.co/ZxzyBNQ9Oe
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) December 21, 2020
Here’s the thing. I don’t care how professional my kid’s substitute teacher is… I don’t want them assigning grades or her report card. https://t.co/zp0h9FHE5o
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) December 21, 2020
You let an interim head coach and a President who "isn't involved in football decisions" to fire a coach with high value.
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) December 21, 2020
Let the incoming head coach and GM make that decision.
What a freakin mess.
Players are confused and upset:
Thankful for the opportunities @BraydenCoombs gave me this season, guy won’t be on the market for long whoever gets him will be getting one hell of a coach ✊🏾✊🏾
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) December 21, 2020
What we doin man, cmon
— Mal (@jamalagnew) December 21, 2020
One of the Best coach i played for in the NFL. Team guy and player coach on and off the field. Great Energy and a man who will challenge you week in and out I’m lost for words. I’ll play for Brayden anyday!
— Tony Mcrae (@talibantone21) December 21, 2020