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Gunther Cunningham has been assigned to scout a position at the NFL combine as part of his new role with the Detroit Lions.

(AP File Photo)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Detroit Lions senior assistant coach Gunther Cunningham is at the NFL combine this week, working in his new role scouting prospects for the team's front office.

According to general manager Martin Mayhew, Cunningham has been assigned a specific position to scout in Indianapolis.

"He's a good evaluator," Mayhew said. "He's been that for us in the past."

Mayhew didn't divulge which position Cunningham would focus on, but based on his previous coaching experience, it's a safe bet he'll be evaluating either defensive line or linebacking talent.

The Lions could use depth at defensive end and outside linebacker this offseason. Mayhew announced this week that the team would not bring back veterans Rocky McIntosh and Israel Idonije. Starting defensive end Willie Young is also a free agent.

Beyond the new assignments with the personnel department, Cunningham will also continue to work with the coaching staff.

"He's going to do a lot of work with Jim (Caldwell) during the season in terms of scouting the upcoming opponent," Mayhew said.

Cunningham is one of nine coaches from Jim Schwartz's staff who were retained by Caldwell. Mayhew intimated the decision was an easy one.



"He's a good football coach. He's very knowledgeable about the game," Mayhew said. "He had a desire to be here and I have great respect for him. The opportunity to work with him was exciting to me."

Cunningham, 67, has more than four decades of coaching experience. He's been with the Lions for the past five seasons, working as the team's defensive coordinator.

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