Lions’ Fontes Gives Boot to 6 Assistants

Detroit Lions coach Wayne Fontes has told six assistant coaches they won’t be back next year.

“It’s just something where I want to bring in new faces,” Fontes said Wednesday. “I think they’re good coaches. It happens all over the league. When a guy takes over, he brings in all new people. I think it’s almost expected.”

Affected are offensive line coach Bill Muir, running back coach Vic Rapp, outside linebacker coach Willie Shaw, inside linebacker coach Mike Murphy, special teams coach Carl Battershell and strength and conditioning coach Don Clemons. Receiver coach Lew Carpenter also apparently is on the way out, but Fontes said he has been unable to reach Carpenter on vacation.

Fontes said he wants defensive line coach Dick Modzelewski to stay with the team.