The Detroit Lions fielded the top offense in the league this season, showcasing a balanced attack led by a talented group of playmakers.
With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departing to become the head coach of the rival Chicago Bears, one insider predicts the Lions will maintain continuity by promoting from within.
Ryan Love of USA Today’s Lions Wire outlined the top internal candidates to replace Johnson and guide Detroit’s offense in 2025, with a focus on the assistant coaches who oversee the team’s passing and rushing units.
Lions Could Prioritize Passing Game
As Love pointed out, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand has played a key role in making the Lions one of the NFL’s top passing teams. The Lions built a potent air attack around quarterback Jared Goff, who was acquired in a 2022 trade from the Los Angeles Rams.
Love suggested that keeping Engstrand as offensive coordinator would ensure continuity with the offense’s success in recent seasons. “Engstrand has served five seasons with the Lions, just finishing his second in his current position. The Lions’ passing game ranked second in the league in passing yards this season and helped Jared Goff establish himself as a key part of one of the best offenses in the NFL.”
This choice, according to Love, is as close as the Lions can get to preserving the offensive identity Johnson built.
Another Strong Candidate Emerges
ESPN insider Adam Schefter also named Engstrand as a top candidate for the role, alongside assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery.
As Love noted, Montgomery has 18 years of coaching experience in both the NFL and college, and he played a vital role in the Lions’ dominant ground game. Detroit ranked sixth in rushing yards and tied for second in rushing touchdowns this season.
“He’ll be a coach Campbell can trust immediately, and his experience justifies the opportunity for a promotion,” Love wrote.
The Lions may also consider other candidates, such as offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Detroit’s offensive line is among the league’s best, and Fraley is highly respected by both players and head coach Dan Campbell.
Center Frank Ragnow voiced his support for Fraley, stating that he has been a key figure in the team’s offensive success.
“I truly think he would be great,” Ragnow said, according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. “He’s bright, man. He’s bright. He’s so creative in what he does with this offense. I know Ben gets a lot of the credit or whatever, but Hank, that whole staff, they’re very innovative and creative and they do a really good job.”
While the Lions enjoyed a franchise-record 15 wins and secured the top seed in the NFC, their playoff run was marred by mistakes on offense. In a loss to the Washington Commanders, the Lions threw four interceptions, including one on a poorly executed trick play involving wide receiver Jameson Williams.
