ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions defense couldn't protect a lead in the third quarter against Cincinnati, and couldn't get off the field in the fourth. Their playoff hopes died on Christmas Eve because of it.
But the Bengals still liked Teryl Austin's body of work. Enough so, they've hired Austin to be their defensive coordinator according to ESPN.
Austin's loss is the latest shakeup for a staff that has now lost three people, and more surely to come. Detroit has also fired head coach Jim Caldwell and offensive line coach Ron Prince.
GM Bob Quinn said the new head coach will have full autonomy over the future of the remaining assistants, all of whom remain under contract.