Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's Star Falling for Detroit Lions

On a day when the Detroit Lions dominated the NFL news cycle, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin enjoyed the silence.

"

Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin: "I haven't heard anything so I’m assuming I’m still employed."

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) November 5, 2015"

On Thursday afternoon, Martha Ford stabbed a stiletto heel through the status quo, relieving general manager Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand of their responsibilities, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN. Mrs. Ford doesn't appear as sympathetic as her late husband, and it's precisely what this franchise needs.

Austin, however, was spared. His extremely successful 2014 performance—and a lack of internal options—stayed his execution.

The one-time favorite for multiple head-coaching gigs last spring has been put on notice. He's now coaching to keep his defensive coordinator job, although the writing on the wall is growing as bright as the fire under his seat.

The Plane is Losing Altitude

Statistics aren't everything. They can be manipulated to bolster inane statements, like coming to the conclusion that Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick are the same players. 

However, they paint an incredibly accurate picture when looking at the difference between the last two seasons for Austin's defense.

Year	Pass YPG	Rank	Rush YPG	Rank	PPG	Rank
2014	231.6	13th	69.3	1st	17.6	T-2nd
2015	252	18th	133.8	31st	30.6	32nd

The losses of Ndamukong Suh and DeAndre Levy should have required first aid instead of an autopsy. Replacement-level players—like Josh Bynes, Caraun Reid and possibly Haloti Ngata—could possibly be blamed for a slide into mediocrity but not to the absolute bottom of the league.

"

I really like Teryl Austin as a person, but the fan base fawning over the guy is ridiculous. Defense is one of the worst in the league.

— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) November 1, 2015"

And the excuses really run dry when it comes to the secondary. Every starter and contributor returned for another run, and the secret strength to last year's team seemed primed to take on a bigger role. 

But that assumption has played out even worse than anyone could have imagined.

"

Lions D allowing QBs to complete 73% of their passes. Single season record for a QB is Drew Brees at 71%. 2015 Lions make every QB best ever

— trey wingo (@wingoz) November 5, 2015"

Teddy Bridgewater is a perfect case study for Trey Wingo's tweet. In 2015, Bridgewater lit up Detroit in two games against the Lions to the tune of an average passer rating of 119.5. In his other five outings, he only has two performances with ratings higher than 80.

No wonder Matthew Stafford wasn't able to translate his training camp success to the regular season. He doesn't get to play against the Lions.

And Both Engines Have Stalled

A deeper dive past the numbers doesn't help Austin's cause. This season has been filled with bad game plans and a much more damning apathy when it comes to adjustments.

Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

You only need to turn on the Kansas City tape to see both problems in high definition.

First, Detroit didn't challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, instead opting to play soft coverages, presumably because of Alex Smith's deep-passing prowess.

Yet it turns out he never throws the ball 20 yards or more in the air. His 22 "deep" attempts rank 27th in the league and are one less than Buffalo's Tyrod Taylor, who has missed the last three games.

Smith instead destroyed Detroit on the ground, racking up 78 rushing yards. But Austin wouldn't budge from his approach, refusing to make any efforts to contain the quarterback on 3rd-and-long.

"

Alex Smith, RB1.

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2015"

This isn't a one-game issue. Detroit hasn't employed the same creativity or execution as it did a year ago, and the results have spoken for themselves.

Is it Time to Hit the Eject Button?

The change sweeping through Detroit's Allen Park offices passed over Austin's and head coach Jim Caldwell's doors. But where there's smoke, there's probably a dumpster fire.

"

I hope Teryl Austin interviewed for the #Dolphins job before this game.

— Michael Tanier (@MikeTanier) November 1, 2015"

Austin was once seen as a man of ingenuity. His tactics were hailed as the brainchild of a genius, with blitzes materializing from underutilized places.

Now he looks as scared as the rest of the staff. The sideline as a whole looks stiff and clenched, hoping the players have grasped their basic schemes that have been so stripped down that they're actually drawn in the sand.

The Lions took a large step into a new era when Mrs. Ford made clear her position on the old ways. Losses will no longer be outweighed by loyalty, and it's time Austin sings for his supper if he wants to continue eating in Detroit.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.