Older Carolina Panthers fans should be familiar with the newest addition to head coach Frank Reich’s staff in Duce Staley. Not only was the former Philadelphia Eagles running back a force in the NFC for the better part of a decade, but he also had one of his best outings against his new employer—dashing the cats for 140 yards and a touchdown back in 1999.
But since he hung up those cleats, Staley made his transition to the sidelines beginning in 2011—as a special teams quality coach with his Eagles. The West Columbia, S.C. native stuck around on Philly’s staff for 10 seasons—where he also picked up promotions to the team’s running backs coach and assistant head coach positions.
His staying power in a tough market came as a sign of respect from both players and coaches alike. And his ability to keep his old-school, bring-your-lunch-pale grind helped him thrive in his new career—one that included a Super Bowl LII victory.
Staley then departed Philadelphia to join Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions, where he served as an assistant head coach and running backs coach starting in 2021. This is notable given the resurgence the Lions have had during the Campbell regime thanks, in part, to their hard-nosed coaching style. It is also worth noting that he helped direct one of the best running back groups in the league with D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) this past season.
The title and nature of Staley’s job has not yet been definitively determined. At the very least, he’ll assume the same roles he did in Detroit with an opportunity to be named the team’s newest offensive coordinator. But, in any instance, Staley will be a welcome and experienced addition for Reich and the Panthers.
