Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia recently confirmed the hiring of Tyrone McKenzie for a role within the organization. While that role has yet to officially announced, it is expected that he will oversee the Lions linebackers with potentially even more responsibility.

During his three-year coaching in the NFL, McKenzie has been an inside linebacker coach for the Tennessee Titans (the last two seasons) and an assistant special teams coach for the Los Angeles Rams.

Here are seven potential 2020 unrestricted free agents who have been directly coached by McKenzie over the last three seasons.

Kamalei Correa, EDGE, Titans

History with McKenzie: Linebacker for Titans in 2018 and 2019

Correa began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens but after defensive coordinator Dean Pees left for the Titans job in 2018, a trade for Correa soon followed.

Capable of playing both on the EDGE and in an off-the-ball linebacker role, Correa is a true JACK linebacker in the Lions scheme.

If the Lions aren’t planning on investing big money on an elite EDGE rusher this offseason, Correa is an ideal candidate to immediately improve the Lions pass-rushing depth while also checking in at an affordable price.

Cory Littleton, ILB, Rams

History: Special teamer for Rams in 2017

McKenzie’s coaching experience with linebackers has gotten most of the Lions’ media attention, but when he was an assistant special teams coach with the Rams, they had the No.1 special teams unit in the league per Sports Illustrated’s Rick Gosselin, were No. 2 in DVOA, and had three special teams players make the Pro Bowl.

One of the biggest standouts from the 2017 special teams unit was Cory Littleton who dominated the third phase, including blocking two punts that season.

The following year, Littleton won the starting MIKE role for the Rams and was tasked with calling their defense over the last two seasons. Currently, he is arguably the top off-the-ball linebacker in this 2020 free agency class.

Wesley Woodyard, ILB, Titans

History: Linebacker for Titans in 2018 and 2019

If the Lions are looking to add a linebacker familiar with McKenzie — but aren’t willing to pay the price tag for Littleton — Woodyard is a name to keep in mind.

Woodyard has played under McKenzie the last two seasons, and at 34-years old could, he would provide the Lions linebacker unit with a veteran leadership presence while also understanding he is only capable of contributing as a reserve at this point in his career.

Daren Bates, ILB, Titans

History: Linebacker for Titans in 2018 and 2019

Like Woodyard, Bates was also a reserve off-the-ball linebacker with the Titans the last two seasons, but it was his contributions on special teams that stood out and separated him.

If the Lions target Bates in free agency, he would more than likely compete with Steve Longa and Jason Cabinda for a role in the third phase, rather than a spot on defense.

Pharoh Cooper, WR/Returner, Cardinals

History: Returner for Rams in 2017

Cooper was one of the Pro Bowlers from the Rams 2017 special teams unit mentioned above.

In 2017, he was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded return man, producing the No. 1 kick return average in the NFL (27.4-yard average), as well as the No. 2 punt return average (12.5-yard average) behind only Jamal Agnew of the Lions.

Cooper was injured in 2018, then was released to make room on the Rams roster, and was claimed by the Cardinals. In 2019, the Cardinals released him at cut downs and he was claimed by the Bengals but only lasted two weeks before being released and rejoining the Cardinals.

At a minimum, he is worth a look in free agency to see if a rekindled relationship with McKenzie — and Special Temas Coordinator Brayden Combs — could unlock his special teams potential.

Bryce Hager, ILB, Rams

History: Special teamer for Rams in 2017

Hager was another special teams standout for the Rams and, like Bates, would be a player who could compete for a special teams role/fifth off-the-ball linebacker role with the Lions.

Cody Davis, S, Jaguars

History: Special teamer for Rams in 2017

Davis falls into the same role as Bates and Hager but from the safety position. If the Lions target him, he would more than likely compete with C.J. Moore for a backend role in the secondary and starting spot on special teams.