Ex-long snapper Don Muhlbach dealing with Detroit Lions sport administration – Detroit Free Press

Don Muhlbach has worn dozens of hats for the Detroit Lions since he joined the staff as a particular assistant to soccer operations after his retirement in 2021. Now, he has one other one.
Muhlbach will serve in a sport administration function for the Lions this fall, serving to coach Dan Campbell with replay critiques and advising Campbell on guidelines interpretations and different gameday tendencies.
“It simply felt like this was going to be the correct match and he’s received a reasonably good grasp, fairly good really feel of what I need,” Campbell stated. “And I additionally know he’s received conviction about him when he sees one thing or believes one thing. He’s not going to waver in what it’s or isn’t. So all of these traits I feel are actually good about him.”
Muhlbach, who performed 17 seasons at lengthy snapper for the Lions, has helped the staff’s entrance workplace, teaching employees and enterprise workplace in varied capacities since he joined the staff in an administrative function shortly after he was launched in 2021.
Muhlbach helps particular groups coordinator Dave Fipp and assistant particular groups coach Jett Modkins coach particular groups and assists normal supervisor Brad Holmes with scouting duties within the offseason.
In his new gameday function, he takes the place of Jon Dykema, who left the Lions after to join Michigan State and now serves because the senior director of soccer technique for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Any job that you simply give Muhl, whether or not he was a participant and even behind the scenes with us, he does a ton and has accomplished a ton since he was employed right here serving to on particular groups,” Campbell stated. “And he does an unbelievable job, man. So he helps Fipp, he helps Jett, he’s all the time helped me with a couple of issues and he’s a grinder.
“I imply, he simply – there’s nothing – there’ll be no stone that will probably be left unturned and so it simply felt pure, like this man goes to eat these items up.”
Muhlbach dealt with sport administration duties in preseason video games this summer time as a dry run for the common season, which begins Sunday when the Lions play the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Area.
“The preseason helps so much and simply sort of working by the kinks of that,” Campbell stated. “And for him actually to know what for me is (value bringing) as much as me, or what do I care about, or is it a 50-50? Whether it is, I don’t need to hear about it trigger regardless of the name is will stand and, nicely, what’s a 50-50 name in my eyes.
“So it’s little issues like that, precisely what I’m on the lookout for. What am I on the lookout for earlier than the sport? What am I on the lookout for in the course of the sport? After which him simply getting on high of the foundations somewhat bit, however I might help him with all that stuff, so he’s doing an unbelievable job. He’s going to be nice.”
Terrion Arnold received off to a slow start as a rookie, committing eight penalties within the Lions’ first 4 video games. He completed the season with a 93.7 passer ranking in opposition to, according to Pro Football Reference, and didn’t have an interception.
Arnold was one of many Lions’ most improved gamers this summer time, and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard stated he is on the lookout for large issues for the cornerback in 12 months 2.
“He’s all the time had the bodily items and instruments, however it’s the psychological standpoint,” Sheppard stated. “Him doing the additional conferences with (secondary coach) Deshea (Townsend) and myself, wanting to know the sport of soccer, not simply play it.
“These are two various things. And having the ability to play with anticipation. Whenever you’re on the market on these islands, your expertise can solely take you up to now as a result of the man you’re matched up in opposition to is simply as proficient as you.”
Regardless of his early struggles as a rookie, Arnold completed with the best % of tight-window throws compelled (27.9%) amongst Lions defenders with greater than 25 targets final season.
Sheppard stated he is seen development from Arnold in his capacity to play with anticipation and his understanding of how receivers are attempting to assault him on the sector.
“Deshea has accomplished an unbelievable job with that participant, simply sort of discovering that tremendous line as a result of he does have this sort of child persona,” Sheppard stated. “And sort of understanding learn how to wire his thoughts and once you’re on the market, look man, you’ve received to lock in right here.
“We perceive you’re going to speak trash, you’re going to joke round, however there’s a time and place for it and understanding when to lock in. And I’ve seen that from him in these previous six months.”
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Observe him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

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