Dre Thompson enters his second season with the Lions after joining the team as WCF Minority Coaching Assistant/Defensive Quality Control in 2023.
In his first season with the Lions, Thompson helped rookie DB Brian Branch rank second among all NFL rookies in interceptions (three) while becoming just the third player in franchise history to record a pick-six in their NFL debut. Branch also produced seven tackles for loss on the season, tied for the fifth-most among all NFL defensive backs in 2023 and tied for the most by a defensive back in a season in team history.
Prior to joining Detroit, Thompson spent one season with the Denver Broncos as their Billy Thompson Coaching Fellow.
Before entering the NFL coaching ranks, Thompson served as the cornerbacks coach at the University at Buffalo. With the Bulls, Thompson's unit contributed to a defense that allowed just 221.2 passing yards per game, which ranked fifth in the Mid-American Conference.
Thompson spent two seasons at Campbell University from 2019-20, overseeing the cornerbacks in his second season after being promoted from assistant defensive backs coach.
Preceding his time with the Fighting Camels, Thompson coached three seasons as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Texas A&M, from 2016-18. He was a part of a staff that led the team to three consecutive bowl games. He began his coaching career in 2015 at Missouri, where he served as a graduate assistant.
A two-sport letterwinner for the Aggies, Thompson competed in both football and track and field from 2009-11. He appeared in 25 games as a defensive back for the Aggies over three seasons before using his final eligibility at the University of Memphis in 2012.
While at Texas A&M, Thompson was awarded the 12th Man, an honor given to the player who most exemplified hard work, tireless effort and the Aggie Spirit, representing the entire fan base by being the only player to wear jersey number 12. Thompson is a native of Alief, Texas and has one daughter, Averie.
