The Detroit Lions’ 2025 coaching staff is already starting to get picked apart.
Roehl is just a year removed from being the Cyclones’ assistant head coach/running backs coach, but he jumped at the opportunity to join Dan Campbell’s staff in the NFL when the position came open following Steve Heiden departure to become the New York Jets’ offensive line coach.
“I was really happy at Iowa State. I was. Matt Campbell was unbelievable,” Roehl said during his opening Lions press conference. “Me, my family, we could have been really comfortable, but when you have the opportunity to coach the tight ends of the Detroit Lions, I mean, it’s something I sprinted towards. The vision here, the culture, the environment, what this all entails, it was just something that I was very grateful to get. And (I’m) excited for this opportunity.”
Now, Roehl will re-join Iowa State, but without Matt Campbell at the helm, as he left to become Penn State’s new head coach. Former Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers was named the new Iowa State coach last week.
It’s been a tumultuous season for the tight end room due to injury. Sam LaPorta was in the midst of one of his best years before a back injury that required surgery ended his season. Soon after, Brock Wright was sent to injured reserve with a neck injury.
As for who could replace Roehl in the future, Seth Ryan is the most logical candidate. He is currently the Lions’ assistant tight ends coach and has been with the organization since 2021.
