The Detroit Lions are preparing for the possibility of having two new coordinators for the 2025 NFL season.
Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned during his season-ending press conference on Monday that he anticipates both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will accept head coaching roles with other teams in 2025.
“I would expect to lose both, but I haven’t been told anything,” Campbell stated at the team facility in Allen Park. “I just, I’ve got a feeling, but I am prepared to lose both.”
Campbell’s prediction proved accurate.
Johnson was swiftly appointed as the Chicago Bears’ head coach on Monday afternoon, further intensifying the competition within the NFC North Division.
Johnson had interviewed virtually with four teams during the Lions’ first-round playoff bye.
Glenn, who spoke with five teams during the bye, is a top contender for head coaching positions with either the New Orleans Saints or the New York Jets. Glenn is reportedly set to meet with the Jets on Tuesday and with the Saints later in the week.
ANALYSIS: The Lions’ potential OC replacement is already on the staff
The Lions posted a 15-2 record during the regular season, the second-best in the NFL, but were eliminated from the playoffs in the divisional round by the Washington Commanders, 45-31.
Campbell acknowledged that the Lions have several internal candidates who would make “outstanding” coordinators if either Johnson or Glenn departs.
“But that does not mean that I’m not looking outside, either,” Campbell noted.
On the offensive side, offensive line coach Hank Fraley had interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks’ open offensive coordinator position this offseason and could join Johnson’s staff if not promoted within Detroit.
Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand both interviewed for coordinator roles last year. Engstrand has previous play-calling experience both in college and the NFL.
“This thing is set up for (Jared) Goff to have success with our playmakers,” Campbell explained. “(Amon-Ra) St. Brown, our running backs, the O-line, the whole deal. Jamo (Jameson Williams). And so I want to keep that in place. I want to keep our terminology in place, and I want to make sure that Goff is comfortable, cause he’s playing at a high level.”
Campbell confirmed he would seek Goff’s opinion on the next offensive coordinator.
“That’s what Ben did a great job of is those guys working together,” Campbell said. “And this system was kind of built from the ground up and it was to help him and for him to be a part of. So yeah, that’s huge. He’ll have a lot of input. What he says is going to have a – says a lot to me, I should say. Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it’s not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me.”
On the defensive side, secondary coach Deshea Townsend interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers’ coordinator position, and Glenn mentioned this fall that he was mentoring linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to become a defensive coordinator.
Regardless of who joins his staff next season, Campbell emphasized that the Lions will maintain their current offensive and defensive strategies. The Lions boasted the highest-scoring offense in the NFL this season, with a focus on a two-back rushing attack and a creative play-action passing game. Defensively, Campbell intends to continue using extensive man-to-man coverage and applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
“I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible,” Campbell said. “And we don’t lose what we’re about and our identity and … we’re going to stay true to who we are. And if you’re somebody that doesn’t feel comfortable with that, then, no, I don’t want — this isn’t the job for you. So I’m not going to be in a hurry. I’m not in a mad dash. No matter what happens I want to do what’s right by our team and (hire someone who) will be able to stand in front of that room and command respect and get everybody going in the same direction and will ultimately deliver the same message that I’m delivering.”
