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Former NFL cornerback Dre Bly has joined the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff as cornerbacks coach.

Bly, 45, spent the past four seasons in that same role at North Carolina, his alma mater. Prior to joining the Tar Heels, he was a minority coaching intern with the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 preseason and with the Miami Dolphins for the 2018 preseason.

The St. Louis Rams drafted Bly in the second round of the 1999 draft, and he later played for the Lions (2003-06), Denver Broncos (2007-08) and San Francisco 49ers (2009). He appeared in 167 games (117 starts) and tallied 498 tackles, five sacks, 43 interceptions — five returned for touchdowns — 150 passed defensed and 20 forced fumbles.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he was part of the Rams’ team that won Super Bowl XXXIV.

In addition, the Lions named Steve Heiden as tight ends coach. Heiden most recently spent 10 years with the Arizona Cardinals (2013-22) in a variety of roles, including coaching the tight ends from 2019-22.

Heiden, 46, played tight end in the NFL for 11 seasons with the San Diego Chargers (1999-2001) and Cleveland Browns (2002-09). In 148 games (82 starts), he caught 201 passes for 1,689 yards and 14 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media