Wayne Blair joined the Lions in 2022 as a defensive quality control coach after previously working with the team during the 2021 Training Camp as a part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program.
In 2022, Blair primarily worked with the defensive line and helped the team accrue 20.5 combined sacks from rookies, establishing a new NFL record.
He came to Detroit after serving in numerous high school coaching roles in South Florida over 18 years. While coaching in some of the most competitive districts in the nation, Blair won multiple state championships and developed All-State talent.
While serving as head coach at Boyd H. Anderson, Blair mentored future Pro Bowler S Eddie Jackson and NFL player WR Jojo Natson. He also had one collegiate coaching stint at the University of New Haven, where he worked as a graduate assistant for three seasons (2002-04).
Before entering the coaching ranks, Blair was drafted in the first round of the 1999 CFL Supplemental Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. He went on to play linebacker for the Stampeders (1999), Montreal Alouettes (1999) and Toronto Argonauts (2000).
Born in Toronto, Canada, Blair played linebacker at Tulane from 1994-99 and earned his bachelor's degree in sports management. He prepped at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he played and coached under legendary coach George F. Smith. While at New Haven, he also earned his master's degree in labor relations.
He and his wife, Elisa, have two sons, Kole and Aiden, who reside in Plantation, Fla.
