Reporter: Reaction to Lions’ Coordinator Hires
Christian Booher: The Lions’ decision to promote Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator seems like a solid one. Having worked closely with Aaron Glenn, Sheppard brings necessary continuity to the defense. He has strong leadership qualities, enjoys the support of the defensive unit, and shares a close alignment with Dan Campbell.
As for the hire of John Morton as offensive coordinator, I find it intriguing. Morton’s first stint as an NFL coordinator wasn’t overly successful, but he played a pivotal role in shaping the Lions’ offensive scheme. Morton’s experience with Sean Payton adds another layer of depth. The external hire should inject some fresh concepts into Campbell’s system. While Campbell will still likely be hands-on with the offense, the partnership between him and Morton could be potent. Overall, I’m excited to see how both hires shape the Lions in a season where expectations will be high.
Vito Chirco: These hires aren’t the flashiest, with John Morton as offensive coordinator and Kelvin Sheppard as defensive coordinator, but they do seem like the right ones. Both should keep the teams competitive. Hopefully, with some defensive additions, Sheppard can help take the defense to the next level and help the Lions make a deeper playoff run.
Reporter: Do You Expect Drastic Changes in the Lions’ Offense?
Booher: I don’t think there will be any major overhauls. Dan Campbell emphasized continuity in his final press conference, and with Morton familiar with the team and having worked with Sean Payton, I expect the offense to look pretty similar in 2025. There could be some new schematic wrinkles, but at its core, the offense will remain consistent. Campbell will still be involved and hands-on, while Morton will add some fresh elements, making it an intriguing dynamic.
Vito Chirco: I don’t anticipate significant changes either. John Morton and Ben Johnson were quite aligned when they worked together. Morton influenced much of what Johnson implemented in his first season. I believe Morton will stick with similar schemes, ensuring that Detroit’s offense continues to thrive into 2025.
Reporter: Do You Trust Jared Goff?
Booher: Yes, at this point, I trust Goff. He has proven to be capable of achieving great things for the Lions, though this season will be a significant one. With a new coordinator, Goff now has the chance to prove his success wasn’t just because of Ben Johnson’s system. Goff’s postseason performance did expose some flaws, but he’s been to a Super Bowl and led Detroit to the brink of their first appearance in 2023. His contract extension will raise expectations, but I’m not ready to move on just yet.
Vito Chirco: I do trust him as a competent game manager, even after his four-turnover performance in the playoff loss. But is he elite? That’s hard to define these days. Ultimately, I believe Goff, with the current offensive structure, is capable of leading the Lions to a Super Bowl – and that’s what truly matters.
Reporter: Impressive Players at the Senior Bowl?
Booher: Mike Green, the EDGE rusher from Marshall, stood out as a major winner at the Senior Bowl. His dominant practice performances led to his not even playing in the game, which boosted his draft stock significantly. Green could be a target for the Lions at pick 28, though there’s a chance he might not be available by then. Another player to note is Jack Bech, the wide receiver from TCU. After tragically losing his brother, Bech earned MVP honors and caught the game-winning touchdown. His blend of size and speed makes him a prospect worth following, especially given Detroit’s need for depth at receiver.
Vito Chirco: I was particularly impressed by Mike Green and Maxwell Hairston. Green displayed remarkable speed and versatility during the week of practices, making him a strong candidate for the Lions at No. 28 overall. Hairston, the cornerback from Kentucky, impressed as a top-tier cover corner and would be a valuable addition to Detroit’s secondary.
Reporter: Will You Watch the Super Bowl?
Booher: As difficult as it will be to watch a game that the Lions felt destined for, I will be tuning in. As a football fan, it’s impossible to ignore the biggest game of the year. While it’ll sting that the Lions aren’t playing, it should still be an exciting matchup. Plus, it’s the last chance to watch live NFL action until August, so I’ll definitely enjoy it.
Vito Chirco: Absolutely, I’ll be watching. While I’m not a fan of either team and wish Josh Allen and the Bills could’ve knocked off the Chiefs, I’ll still be there. And I’m betting that 99.9% of Lions fans who say they won’t watch will be tuning in to the “big game” next Sunday.
