DETROIT, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The Detroit Lions, finishing the season with one of the worst records in the NFL, announced major changes in the coaching staff Tuesday.
Defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson is leaving because of philosophical differences with head coach Rod Marinelli, the Detroit Free Press reported. Marinelli has fired offensive line coach Larry Beightol, while special teams coach Chuck Priefer is retiring to spend more time with his family.
Marinelli, at a post-season news conference, said that he believes Matt Millen will be back as president. The coach said that special teams assistant Stan Kwan will move into Priefer's job and refused to say who might fill the other positions.
The Lions ended the season on an up note, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 39-31 in their only road victory of the season. But the win left the team with a 3-13 record.
