Detroit Lions hire RBs coach known for producing 1,000-yard rushers

The Detroit Lions have a new running backs coach, and it's someone who has had plenty of success tutoring young rushers.

The Lions hired Kyle Caskey to replace David Walker, a team source told the Free Press on Tuesday.

Caskey spent the last nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he started as an assistant offensive line coach.

Caskey was promoted to running backs coach in 2013, and has worked with 1,000-yard rushers Joe Mixon and Jeremy Hill early in their careers.

The Lions have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013, but Kerryon Johnson was on pace to reach that milestone last year when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November.

Johnson ran for a team-high 641 yards this season and averaged 5.4 yards per carry, second most in the NFL.

David Walker, the Lions running backs coach since 2016, retired after the season.

Walker was one of seven assistants to leave the team or be fired after last year's 6-10 record. The Lions still have three vacancies on their staff.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.Read more on the Detroit Lions and sign up for our Lions newsletter.