Kacy

Rodgers

Rodgers is a long-time defensive line coach who most recently worked with the Buccaneers from 2019-2024. Former Lions defensive line coach Terrelle Williams recently left to become the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, which opened the door for Rodgers to join the staff. Rodgers added defensive run game coordinator to his title in 2022, and saw his run defense rank in the top-10 in yards per attempt in two of his three seasons. He’ll now get a fresh start as the Lions’ DL coach, and could also see a similar coordinator position with his new team.

Rodgers was named a co-defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers in 2022, but the unit has struggled over the last few years and Tampa Bay may need to make some face-saving changes along the staff. The Buccaneers still allowed only 4.3 yards per carry, 10th-best in the NFL in 2024. The secondary was the bigger issue. Rapoport adds that Rodgers is “viewed as a top free agent assistant who will have a robust market.” Green Bay fired their defensive line coach, Jason Rebrovich, after they lost to the Packers in the Wild Card Round.

It is mostly just window dressing, as new head coach Todd Bowles will remain his own defensive play-caller. Both Rodgers and Foote are longtime Bruce Arians/Bowles assistants. Save for Arians, the Bucs have complete coaching staff continuity following their lead man’s retirement. Bowles is one of the brighter defensive minds in the game. Rodgers or Foote could soon become head-coaching candidates.

Rodgers was new Bucs DC Todd Bowles’ DC for the Jets, but Rodgers will now return to his customary position coach role that he served for 20-plus years before getting his first coordinator job under Bowles. Rodgers missed some time during this past season to what was called a serious illness.

Rodgers will be eased back into his duties. Rodgers was away from the team for two weeks as he battled a serious illness, the nature of which has not been disclosed. Coach Todd Bowles had already taken on a bigger play-calling role before Rodgers’ absence. That should remain the case indefinitely.

There’s not many details, but this sounds serious. It’s more bad news for a Jets defense that’s already without top CB Trumaine Johnson (quad). Todd Bowles will take over playcalling for at least this week.

If the Dolphins were smart, they would’ve ousted Kevin Coyle and made Rodgers their defensive coordinator. Instead, Rodgers departs to re-team with Todd Bowles. Both are Bill Parcells disciples. One of the top D-Line gurus in football, Rodgers coached up Olivier Vernon, Cam Wake, and Jared Odrick in Miami, while getting career-best years from Randy Starks and Paul Soliai.

“Whether it gets done today or next week,” Caplan said. “It will happen.” Rodgers was heavily linked with the New York earlier in the week, and despite the delay on an official announcement, Caplan is confident Rodgers is the guy. A well respected coach, Rodgers would likely cede play-calling duties to the defensive-minded Todd Bowles, who was hired as Jets head coach earlier this week.