When former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, many speculated he might bring some of his coaching staff with him. Two coaches, in particular, were expected to follow: former Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and former assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the Lions’ star wide receivers, discovered Randle El’s impending departure in an unexpected way. On the January 29 episode of the “St. Brown Podcast,” he shared how he pieced the situation together before the news went public. St. Brown mentioned that he sent a playful message in their group chat with his coach and fellow receivers, asking, “El, aren’t you from Chicago?” and then adding, “You following Ben?” He sent the message at 6:17 p.m., and just two minutes later, Randle El called him.
Randle El, surprised, asked, “How did you know? Did that leak?” St. Brown replied, “Nah, I was just messing around.” Randle El had coached St. Brown throughout his entire career in Detroit, helping him become a star. St. Brown had over 1,000 yards in his second season and earned All-Pro first-team honors in each subsequent year.
