Shaun Dion Hamilton Named Detroit Lions Linebackers Coach

DETROIT- The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday that Shaun Dion Hamilton, a former linebacker for Alabama, has been appointed as their new linebackers coach.

Get our free mobile app

Hamilton, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, played for the Crimson Tide from 2014 to 2017. During his time with the team, he contributed to two National Championships under coach Nick Saban in 2015 and 2017, and he was named a permanent team captain for the 2017 team.

During the 2015 season, Hamilton participated in 15 games, recording 27 tackles, but faced limitations in 2017, playing in nine games and making 40 tackles.

Following his college career, Hamilton entered the 2018 National Football League Draft, where he was selected in the sixth round as the 197th overall pick by the Washington Commanders. He spent three seasons with the Commanders from 2018 to 2020, playing in 46 games, including seven starts. During that time, he accumulated 89 tackles, with 63 being solo, along with nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception.

After his time with the Commanders, he spent the 2021 season with the Lions before moving into an assistant coaching role for linebackers in 2022.

This promotion comes amid significant changes to the Lions' coaching staff this week. Hamilton will take over the position from Kelvin Sheppard, who is reportedly being elevated to defensive coordinator following Aaron Glenn's departure for a head coaching opportunity.