UNC Football: Dre Bly joins Detroit Lions coaching staff

Aug 4, 2010; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions corner back Dre Bly (32) talks with his teammates prior to the start of the morning session of training camp held at the Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2010; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions corner back Dre Bly (32) talks with his teammates prior to the start of the morning session of training camp held at the Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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The former UNC football standout is set to continue his coaching career in a familiar place, returning to an organization he once played for.

When it was announced that Dre Bly and the UNC football program decided to mutually part ways, head coach Mack Brown stated that the former Tar Heels’ goal was to earn a coaching spot in the NFL.

Well, that goal has officially come to fruition.

After four seasons as the UNC football program’s cornerbacks coach, Bly will fulfill the same role for the Detroit Lions organization. Similar to returning to North Carolina, Detroit is a franchise that Bly already has plenty of experience with.

As part of his 11-year career, Bly spent four seasons with the Lions, arguably having his best two overall seasons as a member of the organization. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with Detroit, as he recorded 19 interceptions over his 55 games as a Lion.

His NFL resume is impressive, as he appeared in 167 games (116 starts). He registered 498 combined tackles, 149 pass defenses, 43 interceptions (five returned for touchdowns), and 20 forced fumbles.

Given his career accomplishments, his knowledge of the Detroit Lions organization, along with his recent coaching experience in Chapel Hill, Bly seems to be a very good fit for the job. He’ll look to use his knowledge to help the Lions’ cornerbacks improve moving forward.

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