This may be a more significant move than fans realize as Lake has spent the past two seasons in Tampa Bay as the assistant defensive backs coach. Lake brings something to the staff in much the same way Joe Barry did in 2007. He has a vast knowledge and passion for the Tampa 2 system and is looking forward to getting his new crop of players on the field.

“The first thing you will see – especially on the practice field – is he brings energy,” said Barry. “He’s a ball of fire. I’d say that’s the first thing he brings. The second thing he brings is knowledge in the system. I think those two things are invaluable, especially when you teach and preach and believe in a system.

“I think this guy is a future star in this league as a coach. He’ll be a great position coach (and) he’ll be a coordinator down the road.”

Since Marinelli’s hiring in 2006, the Lions’ secondary – particularly the cornerbacks – has been openly ridiculed as not having enough talent to help this team to a playoff berth. Fans have scoffed at the idea of “non-talented issues” as the local media has screamed for more “raw talent.”

A lot of time it’s technique and that’s what we’re really going to focus on in the offseason,” said Lake of his new crop of players in Detroit. (Photo by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

But Lake believes that he can garner increasingly better performances out of the players the Lions currently have on their roster without adding any additional talent.

Full Story: Fine-Tuning with Technique – [DetroitLions.com]

Lake, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the month, interviewed with Detroit on Thursday. He spent the 2006 season working alongside former Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry, who was hired to be Rod Marinelli’s defensive coordinator in 2007. The Lions are hoping Lake can help Detroit’s defense, which ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards and points last season.

The 31-year-old Lake was offered a contract by the Bucs at the end of the 2007 season, but the promotion in Detroit proved to be more appealing.

Lake worked closely with Bucs defensive backs coach Raheem Morris in 2007. Both men played integral roles in helping Tampa Bay’s defense finish the season ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 against the pass.

The blow of losing an up-and-coming coach like Lake appeared to be lightened a bit Friday when the Bucs re-signed defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

The Buccaneers currently have two unsigned coaches — quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett and senior assistant/offensive line Aaron Kromer. The Bucs must also fill the voids at the running backs coach and assistant defensive backs coach positions, which were created by the departure of Art Valero (St. Louis) and Lake, respectively.

Tampa Bay could find successors for both coaches while in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. Practices start on Monday.

“Raheem and I are the same age, but I’m always willing to take that next step in life,” said the 31-year old Lake. “If some opportunities come, they come. If not, I’m more than happy staying here with these guys and win another championship.”

Full Story: Assistant DBs Coach Lake Interviewing With Lions – [Pewter Report]