When Jeff Backus’ retirement was announced in March, Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand said the team wanted to keep the door open for the long-time left tackle.

  On Tuesday they announced that Backus will serve as a part-time coaching intern this season helping with the offensive line. 

  It’s a move that could pay big benefits because the Lions don’t have a veteran tackle on the roster.

  Riley Reiff is expected to start at left tackle, but he had just one start in his rookie season last year.  Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard are expected to battle it out for the right tackle position. Both are lacking game-day experience.

  Backus helped out Reiff last season and with this move he can continue to share his 12 seasons of experience.

  Backus will help out offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn who will be in his first season in charge of the line after serving as an assistant for four seasons. Also Terry Heffernan has been hired as the offensive line assistant coach after working the same position for the last six seasons at Wayne State.

   The 35-year-old Backus missed just one start in his 12 seasons. 

 (Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)