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Defensive Nickel Package/Cornerbacks
Lionel Washington is in his 10th season on Green Bay's coaching staff, his 25th year in the National Football League.
Having originally joined the Packers Feb. 8, 1999, Washington was named to the current Green Bay staff by Head Coach Mike McCarthy Jan. 23, 2006. Continuing to tutor the cornerbacks, Washington focuses on developing and executing the Packers' defensive scheme and third-down packages.
A 15-year defensive back in the NFL, Washington is a natural teacher at the position. This past season, Washington helped develop several young prospects in the nickel and dime roles, as Jarrett Bush, Will Blackmon and Tramon Williams all proved reliable when called upon throughout the course of the season.
In 2006, Washington helped mold Patrick Dendy into a solid nickelback when forced into duty, and under his watch, Charles Woodson set a career high with eight interceptions. Under his tutelage in 2005, no other defense in the league allowed fewer passing yards per game (167.5) or passing first downs (143).
On an individual level, Washington has played a key role in Al Harris' rise as an overriding strength on defense. The veteran corner has turned in some of his best seasons the past three years, developing a reputation as a shutdown defender and totaling 47 passes defensed and eight interceptions since 2005. Harris' value to the Packers and their scheme was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl trip in 2007.
In 2005, Washington helped Harris adjust to a new role, covering the slot receiver in passing situations, and Harris didn't allow a touchdown pass until the season's 13th game. Earlier, in 2004, Washington's teaching helped Harris set the single-season franchise record with 28 passes defensed. That year, the cornerback also marked a career high with 67 tackles (62 solo).
In 2003, the Packers' secondary contributed to a defense that held opponent quarterbacks to a 69.0 passer rating, the fifth lowest in the league, and helped to allow just 307 points, the fifth fewest in the NFC. In addition, the defense intercepted 21 passes, fourth best in the conference, while ranking 10th in passing defense.
The 47-year-old Washington worked primarily with the cornerbacks during his inaugural season in the coaching profession, 1999, and saw three rookies make significant contributions to Green Bay's defensive efforts. The Packers' secondary was responsible for 21 of the team's 26 interceptions, the overall total the third-best mark in the NFC. Then-rookie cornerbacks Mike McKenzie, Antuan Edwards and Fred Vinson provided 12 picks in a very non-rookie-like fashion.
Originally a fourth-round selection of the then-St. Louis Cardinals in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Tulane, Washington enjoyed one of the longest playing careers for a defensive back in pro football history. Appearing in 205 games with 165 starts with the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos, he snared 37 career interceptions, returning four for touchdowns. In his career, Washington intercepted at least one pass in 13 of his 15 seasons, with at least three in each of five different campaigns, including a career-high eight in his rookie year, 1983.
After playing four years with the Cardinals (1983-86), Washington was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987 and played for the Silver and Black through the 1994 season. In 1995, he signed with Denver and spent two years with the Broncos before returning to the Raiders in 1997 for one final season. Washington was out of football in 1998 before launching his coaching career.
Washington was a three-year starter and four-time letterman at Tulane (1979-82), earning all-conference honors as a junior and senior. He also served as co-captain of the team his senior season. A sports administration and physical education major, he additionally lettered in track, running indoor and outdoor sprints - the 60-, 100-, 200- and 400-yard dashes.
A three-sport star at Lutcher High School in New Orleans, Washington lettered four years each in football, basketball and track. Also an all-state performer in football and track, he captured the state 120-yard high hurdles championship as a prep senior.
Born in New Orleans, Washington and his wife, Karen, live in Green Bay with their daughter, Jordan, 6. Washington also has two other children: a daughter, Lakaia, 29, and a son, Deron, 22, who recently concluded an impressive career on the Virginia Tech basketball team.
WASHINGTON AT A GLANCE
- Originally joined Packers Feb. 8, 1999; promoted to defensive nickel package/cornerbacks coach Feb. 18, 2005. Named to the '06 Green Bay staff by Mike McCarthy Jan. 23, 2006.
- Enters his 25th season in the NFL, his 10th as a coach.
- Enjoyed a 15-year NFL career as a defensive back, one of the longest in NFL history at the position, finishing with 37 career interceptions.
- An all-state performer in track as a prep, he captured the Louisiana 120-yard high hurdles championship as a senior.
| Year | College/Pro Team | Position Coached |
| 1999-2004 | Green Bay Packers | Assistant Defensive Backs |
| 2005-08 | Green Bay Packers | Defensive Nickel Package/Cornerbacks |