Most recently, serving as the defensive coordinator at Northwestern for the 2021-22 season, O’Neil brings his wealth of experience to the Detroit Lions, marking his 12th season as an NFL coach.
His tenure spans various esteemed positions with teams including the Las Vegas Raiders (2019-20 – defensive backs; 2018 – senior defensive assistant), San Francisco 49ers (2016 – defensive coordinator), Cleveland Browns (2014-15 – defensive coordinator), Buffalo Bills (2013 – linebackers), and New York Jets (2010-12 – assistant defensive backs; 2009 – defensive quality control/defensive backs).
Before venturing into the NFL coaching realm, O’Neil devoted eight seasons to NCAA coaching. He contributed his expertise at Eastern Michigan (2006-08 – safeties/recruiting coordinator), Towson (2005 – defensive coordinator/defensive backs), Northwestern (2003-04 – graduate assistant), Pennsylvania (2002 – assistant offensive line), and SUNY Albany (2001 – assistant offensive line/tight ends).
Deshea Townsend, serving as the Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs coach, enters his 10th season in the NFL coaching landscape. Townsend’s recent stint includes two seasons (2022-23) as the passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He also held roles as the secondary coach for the Chicago Bears from 2019-21, assistant defensive backs coach for the New York Giants in 2018, defensive backs coach for the Tennessee Titans from 2016-17, and assistant defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2011-12.
Townsend also enriched his coaching repertoire in the collegiate sphere, serving as the cornerback coach at Mississippi State from 2013-15.
Prior to his coaching career, Townsend enjoyed a remarkable 13-season tenure as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1998-2009) and Indianapolis Colts (2010).
He amassed impressive statistics over 191 career games (80 starts), including 428 tackles, 116 pass defenses, 21 interceptions, 15.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions returned for touchdowns. Townsend played a pivotal role in securing victories for the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Terrell Williams, assuming the role of Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line coach, brings extensive coaching experience spanning 27 seasons, including 13 years in the NFL.
Williams’s recent endeavors encompass six seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2023 – assistant head coach/defensive line; 2018-22 – defensive line). During his tenure, the Titans boasted the league’s top-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 76.9 rushing yards per game in 2022.
Under his guidance, DL Jeffery Simmons earned two Second-Team AP All-Pro selections and secured two Pro Bowl appearances. Before his tenure with the Titans, Williams served as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins (2015-17) and Oakland Raiders (2012-14).
Prior to his NFL coaching roles, Williams honed his craft as the defensive line coach at Texas A&M (2010-11), Purdue (2006-09), Akron (2004-05), Youngstown State (2002-03), North Carolina A&T (1999-2001), and Fort Scott Community College (1998).
Notably, Williams served as Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes’ position coach during his three-year tenure at North Carolina A&T.
