Jeff Backus to begin coaching career with the Lions
Looks like Jeff Backus is going to give coaching a try. Says he's signed on to be a coaching intern with the Detroit Lions Offensive Line coach. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130528/SPORTS0101/305280387/Jeff-Backus-signs-coaching-intern-Detroit-Lions?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Interesting stuff. Amazed at the massive increase in the number of former M players who have joined the coaching ranks in recent years.
Always respected Backus. Glad he's sticking around.
After the Lions finished 2-14 3 years ago, a reporter was looking to get a response from Backus at the end of the year locker clean out. To which Backus responded "Just take a quote from me from one of our other 2-14 seasons".
It certainly doesn't hurt having someone with his level of character and professionalism hanging around the organization.
He always has been a professional and is a hard worker. He is one of the toughest player I've seen and would go through multiple injuries yet still compete on the field. He played with torn biceps which is almost unheard of especially at OL. He'll do great things as a coaching intern!
I wonder how long it takes him to get back to UM?
I used to see a lot of criticism of Backus in Lions threads in Det News, Freep, and Mlive before I pretty much lost interest in reading comments there. I wondered why so many posters were blaming him for the Lions' woes. Then, I remembered which "half" of the Lions' fanbase was criticizing him and it all made sense.
Bottom line: anyone who played 12 years, started 188 consecutive games, and got offered a coaching position within three months of retirement had to have done a lot of things right.
Congrats to another successful Michigan Wolverine.
As with most B/R articles, this one features laughably inept analysis.
“But at the same time, I have a lot of friends with the Lions. I really like the offensive line group. I want to see them succeed. So, when I have time, and I’m available during the offseason program, I’m going to try to be down there and help them out.” - Jeff Backus
Congratulations to Jeff Backus in this next phase of his career - always nice to see Wolverines join the coaching ranks in some capacity.