After a disappointing conclusion to the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions face the real possibility of losing both of their highly skilled coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, as both are expected to secure head coaching roles.
Both Johnson and Glenn have participated in multiple interviews so far, and with the Lions’ elimination from the playoffs, they are now permitted to conduct in-person interviews. It may not be long before both coordinators depart from Detroit.
With this in mind, the Lions must begin considering potential replacements. NFL analyst Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut suggests that former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen could be a fitting replacement for Glenn.
“There are a lot of positives with Dennis Allen,” Johnson stated. “First, he’s twice failed as an NFL head coach and that should mean much like the Kansas City Chiefs with Steve Spagnuolo, Detroit wouldn’t have to worry about its defensive play-caller getting poached. Second, as the Saints’ defensive coordinator, Allen orchestrated top-10 defenses from 2015-’20 and in 2022, then the talent on the roster plummeted. He’d have plenty to work with in Detroit and seems like a strong option to succeed Glenn.”
Allen stands out as a strong candidate to replace Glenn. In addition to his two previous head coaching roles with the Saints and Raiders, Allen has been coaching in the NFL since 2002. He has had two stints as a defensive coordinator, including a one-year position with the Denver Broncos and a seven-season tenure with the Saints. As Johnson points out, Allen had significant success as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator.
During his time with the Saints (2015-2021), Allen worked alongside Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who served as New Orleans’ assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2016-2020. In the NFL, connections are crucial, and Allen’s strong relationship with Campbell could be a key advantage.
Before exploring external candidates, the Lions will carefully consider their in-house options. Potential internal candidates include linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard and defensive line coach Terrell Williams.
However, if the Lions opt for an external hire, Allen would be one of the top choices they could pursue.
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Dan Campbell reveals his one non-negotiable quality for Lions players
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently demonstrated his aggressive approach, a mindset that dates back to his initial press conference when he famously declared he was ready to “break kneecaps.”
This competitive drive is something Campbell wants ingrained throughout his roster. It’s the one quality he prioritizes above all else when evaluating players.
“You got to be competitive,” Campbell explained. “That may be a no-(expletive) statement… but it’s hard to teach somebody to be competitive. You either have it or you don’t.”
This mentality has influenced the Lions’ moves in both free agency and the draft, highlighted by their selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of 2023. It also reflects in the play of quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished since joining Detroit in 2021.
The fiercely competitive Lions are now set to face a determined Washington Commanders team, which stunned the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their winning streak to six games. Should Detroit’s competitive edge carry them past the Commanders on Saturday, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, facing either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles.
