Lions retain Gunther Cunningham

When the Detroit Lions fired Jim Schwartz a lingering question remained. Would the team retain defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham. Cunningham was still under contract but his status was in limbo.

Today the Lions announced that Cunningham will be back with the team as a senior coaching assistant. It's not exactly a defined role, since the team hired Teryl Austin to run the defense.

It is reported that Cunningham will focus on personnel, but he'll more than likely assist Austin with the defense.

The 67-year-old has had a long NFL career, including being the head coach in Kansas City from 2001 to 2003.

He has been in the NFL since 1985 and has worked for six franchises. This also gives the Lions three former defensive coordinators on staff to assist Austin, the Lions first-time NFL defensive coordinator.

Besides Cunningham, linebackers coach Bill Sheridan and defensive backs coach Alan Williams have coordinator experience.