The Lions have found their replacement for the departed Larry Beightol. Jim Colletto, a former Purdue Head Coach, has agreed to assume the role of Lions Offensive Line Coach. Colletto, who had recently filled the same position at UCLA, is a seasoned NFL vet who has previously worked for the Raiders and Ravens. Most importantly, Colletto has had a previous working relationship with eccentric Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz, who had developed a personality rift with the deposed Beightol, which should aid in the team's ability to field a cohesive coaching staff.
Colletto has a lot of work ahead of him. With the interest that the Lions expressed in Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas at the Senior Bowl (they reportedly wined and dined him), Colletto has one of the more important tasks on the entire staff, developing the hoped for Orlando Pace-styled Left Offensive Tackle that the Lions offense, and Jon Kitna, so desperately need. The Lions can't afford to have another busted draft pick, especially in one that should provide a cornerstone for the franchise. Colletto's hiring could become one of the most important decisions made during Head Coach Rod Marinelli's brief tenure.
Colletto does have two dependable returning components in OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola. Unfortunately, for most of '06 the Lions featured a patchwork, under-performing unit that was dogged by injury and disappointment. In order for Martz's offense to be effective, and Jon Kitna to remain in one piece, the Lions offensive line must improve. Colletto does have some raw substance to work with. Rookies Frank Davis and Jonathan Scott exhibited a lot of promise and journeymen like Clint Stickdorn, Blaine Saipia, and Stephen Peterman all provided yeoman's work as late season fill-in's for free agent disappointments Rex Tucker and Ross Verba. If Colletto can yield returns on former Pro Bowler and free agent disappointment Damien Woody, the Lions may become factors in the NFC North faster than expected.
