Former ECU football coach tabbed as name to watch in 2026 NFL coaching cycle

by | Jun 19, 2025

ESPN has been breaking down each of the divisions in the NFL ahead of the 2025-26 season.

One of the previews is the NFC North, where former East Carolina football coach Scottie Montgomery serves as receivers coach for the Detroit Lions. In the preview, ESPN reporters who cover the Vikings, Packers, Lions and Bears give their thoughts on the quarterbacks, rookies and coaches who will make an impact this season.

Lions reporter Eric Woodyard believes Montgomery will be one of those coaches to watch. Montgomery has been in consideration for jobs over the past season as his stock continues to rise. After other Lions’ assistant coaches received jobs, Montgomery’s role has changed from coaching running backs to coaching receivers this season.

Woodyard writes in part, “If he’s able to continue that production with the wide receivers, he certainly could be in the next head coaching cycle as a name to watch.”

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Scottie Montgomery (AP photo)

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