LIONS HIRE GUNTHER CUNNINGHAM AS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz has announced the hiring of Gunther Cunningham as the Lions’ assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham is a 40-year coaching veteran on the college and pro levels, including the past 27 seasons in the NFL. He has been a defensive coordinator in the league for 10 seasons and a head coach (Kansas City, 1999-2000) for two. Cunningham has also worked with linebackers and defensive linemen for 16 of his seasons in the pros. As a coach in the NFL, Cunningham has earned the respect of both his peers and players for his intense and straightforward approach to coaching. He is known as a strong motivator who emphasizes the importance of an aggressive and hard-hitting defense. Additionally, Cunningham also brings the elements of being a talented defensive teacher and tactician.
From, 2004-08, Cunningham served as the Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator during his second stint with the organization. In 2008, he also coached the team’s linebackers as the Chiefs’ defense began a transition with six new starters and endured numerous injuries throughout the season. From 2004-07, his imprint on the defense was prevalent in several areas.
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