Lions add Gregory as defensive assistant

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Safety Steve Gregory #28 of the New England Patriots runs with an interception against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have hired Steve Gregory as a defensive assistant coach.

The Lions announced the move Wednesday. Gregory began his coaching career in 2015 as a special teams quality control coach at Syracuse, where he played wide receiver and cornerback from 2002-05. Gregory played eight seasons as a defensive back in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers (2006-11) and New England Patriots (2012-13).

New Detroit coach Matt Patricia was on New England's staff when Gregory played for the Patriots.