It was quite a shock when we learned that Detroit Lions assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley was leaving the team for the same position with the Carolina Panthers. Staley had been one of the more well-respected members of the Lions coaching staff, and after only two years with the team, there were no indications that his departure was imminent.
We quickly learned, however, that at least part of the reason Staley left was for personal matters. As noted by the Detroit News, the Lions allowed Staley to go to be closer to his mother, “who has been battling some recent health issues.