The Detroit Lions may not have ended their season as they had hoped, but they still hold considerable respect around the league and in the media.
For example, Lions General Manager Brad Holmes was named the 2024 Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Executive of the Year. This marks his second consecutive year receiving the honor, and rightfully so. His efforts in building a deep roster helped the Lions navigate a season marked by numerous injuries, particularly on the defensive side.
Unfortunately, Coach Dan Campbell narrowly missed out on the PFWA’s Coach of the Year award, with Minnesota Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell claiming the title instead.
Meanwhile, Ben Johnson earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors for his work as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2024. Under his leadership, the Lions set a franchise record for points, topped the league in scoring, and had five games with over 40 points.
However, things took an odd turn when the Chicago Bears, who recently hired Johnson as their head coach, chose to celebrate his achievement as if it were theirs.
Your 2024 @PFWAwriters NFL Assistant Coach of the Year 👏 pic.twitter.com/9A0yOqHB0Q
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 23, 2025
This seemed somewhat awkward, as Johnson’s recognition was earned during his time with the Lions, not the Bears. It’s a curious move, and one that might reflect the Bears’ struggle to find meaningful things to celebrate.
As for the Lions’ coaching staff, Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to defensive coordinator has sparked renewed attention, especially with Sheppard sharing an interesting story about his first meeting with Dan Campbell after being hired.
I had been searching for this video from two years ago. Kelvin Sheppard talked about his journey to coaching, why he contemplated cutting off his dreads, and how Dan Campbell said don’t you dare. The words spoken then, in August 2022, and now he’s promoted to DC. Pretty cool!!! pic.twitter.com/BKX2bcKMBU
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) January 25, 2025
In other Lions-related news, Alim McNeill recently released a new song titled “STOP HATIN’”,
New single.
— Alim McNeill (@AlimMcneill) January 24, 2025
Although Dan Campbell remains in the running for Coach of the Year, neither Kerby Joseph nor former Lions coordinators are up for Defensive Player or Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively.
Finally, Alex Anzalone is not too eager to watch the Conference Championship games,
Well, I guess today’s a good day for no social media and tv 😒
— Alex Anzalone (@AlexAnzalone34) January 26, 2025
Terrion Arnold’s offseason has gotten off to a tough start.
Had a rough morning 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/MbixHX53BT
— Terrion Arnold (@ArnoldTerrion) January 23, 2025
More news…..
Jared Goff selected as MVP finalist, multiple Detroit Lions coaches nominated for awards
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a finalist for MVP, and coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are also contenders for NFL Honors awards.
The NFL Honors, the league’s annual awards ceremony, will be held on Thursday, February 6, just days before the Super Bowl. This week, the NFL revealed the finalists for its various awards, and several Detroit Lions could be taking home some accolades.
Notably, Goff is one of five finalists for Most Valuable Player, alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. Although it’s unlikely Goff will win, especially since Jackson earned first-team All-Pro honors from the same voters who select the MVP, being named a finalist is a significant achievement. Goff wrapped up the season with career highs, completing 72.4% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 111.8.
Additionally, Campbell is a finalist for Coach of the Year, competing with:
- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
- Sean Payton, Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Commanders
- Andy Reid, Chiefs
Moreover, both of the Lions’ former coordinators are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year. The five finalists for that award are:
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC
- Aaron Glenn, Lions DC
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC
- Vic Fangio, Eagles DC
- Joe Brady, Bills OC
You can view all of the Associated Press finalists for every award here.
The NFL Honors ceremony will air on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX or NFL Network.
