The Detroit Lions are the third NFL team since 2010 to lose both of their coordinators to head coach positions in the same offseason. They are hoping to avoid setbacks like those experienced by the previous two teams that faced similar challenges.
After the 2022 season, Philadelphia lost their coordinators Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon to Indianapolis and Arizona, respectively. In 2013, Cincinnati’s coordinators Jay Gruden and Mike Zimmer were hired by Washington and Minnesota.
The Eagles went on to win the NFC East and reached the Super Bowl with their new coordinators, but the following season, they finished second in the division and lost in the wild-card round. Cincinnati, after winning the AFC North, dropped to second place the next year.
Lions’ Preparation for Change
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said that head coach Dan Campbell was prepared for the possibility of losing both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Holmes expressed full trust in Campbell to make the right replacements.
“Dan has been preparing for it and I have the full faith and trust in Dan to make sure that we’re going to have the right people in place in those spots,” Holmes said during his postseason news conference.
Keeping Key Staff
While the Lions couldn’t stop Johnson and Glenn from leaving, they are working to keep their top assistants and staff members, even though some may be drawn to opportunities with the Bears and Jets.
“It’s not only in coaching, it’s in personnel as well,” Holmes said. “I’ve always said it’s hard to keep the good ones, but I understand that when guys want to poach guys from our program, you’ve just got to be prepared for it.”
Free Agency Decisions
The Lions will need to make important decisions regarding key unrestricted free agents like guard Kevin Zeitler and cornerback Carlton Davis. Holmes is also considering long-term contracts for players like safety Kerby Joseph, who could become a free agent in 2026.
“It’s hard to find ball-hawk guys that will tackle like how he does, and I think that’s what makes him unique,” Holmes said. “We haven’t had any intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously we want to keep the good players here.”
A Strong Regular Season, But a Disappointing Playoff Loss
The Lions had an impressive regular season, winning a team-record 15 games, earning back-to-back division championships, and securing a No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. However, they suffered one of their worst games in the playoffs, losing to the Washington Commanders by two touchdowns at home in the divisional round.
“Fell short of the goals that we set out to accomplish this year and it stung,” Holmes said. “It’s humbling, but I won’t allow it to discredit all of the positives that we were able to accomplish as well this season.”
