The Detroit Lions had a standout 2024-25 season, but it came to an abrupt halt, and now, another development is adding to the sting.
As the 2024-25 NFL season draws to a close with the Super Bowl scheduled for Sunday, February 9, where the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, the Lions are notably absent from the big game. However, several players and staff from the Lions organization were in attendance at the NFL Honors on Thursday, February 6, where some bittersweet news unfolded.
Ex-Lions Player Takes Home Major Award at NFL Honors
Ben Johnson, a former Lions staff member, claimed a prestigious award at the NFL Honors, even though he’s no longer with the team. Johnson, who served as Detroit’s offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2025, had such a successful tenure that it landed him the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.
At the NFL Honors, Johnson was named the 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, and it wasn’t a narrow victory. Johnson secured the award with 364 points and 29 first-place votes, a dominant showing.
While the Lions can take pride in Johnson’s achievement, it stings that he’s no longer with the team. To make matters worse, he didn’t just leave for another opportunity—he left for a divisional rival in the NFC North. The fact that Johnson’s success was recognized so widely adds to the bittersweet feeling in Detroit, with the team losing such a respected coach.
Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, came in second with 143 points, while Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn—now head coach of the New York Jets—finished with 110 points. Rounding out the top five were Vic Fangio, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, with 109 points, and Joe Brady, offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who earned 73 points.
During Johnson’s tenure, Detroit’s offense flourished, leading the NFL with an average of 33.2 points per game and finishing second in yards per game (409.5). In Chicago, Johnson will be tasked with developing Caleb Williams, the 2024 NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick and second-year quarterback. Johnson had a significant role in helping Jared Goff reach the best form of his career with the Lions.
Additional Lions Involvement at the NFL Honors
On a lighter note, Jared Goff and his wife, model Christen Harper, also made headlines at the NFL Honors. Harper, who was spotted cradling her stomach on the red carpet, confirmed through NFL insider Jeff Darlington that they are expecting their first child together. Darlington shared on X, “Congratulations to Christen and Jared Goff, who will welcome their first baby this offseason!”
As for Goff, it was a memorable night. He was a first-time finalist for the NFL MVP, as well as one of 32 nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Although Goff didn’t take home the MVP trophy, his fifth-place finish marked the first time a Detroit Lions player received MVP votes since Barry Sanders in 1997. This season, Goff passed for 4,629 yards, set a career-high with 37 touchdowns, and led the Lions to an impressive 15-2 record.
