The Detroit Lions have enjoyed considerable success in recent years, and with that success comes the likelihood of losing one or both of their coordinators, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, during the 2025 offseason.
Johnson has been a highly sought-after name for multiple seasons, though the Lions have managed to keep him. Glenn’s name has also been mentioned in the past, but his candidacy has grown stronger in 2024, due to the notable improvement of Detroit’s defense.
At the very least, both coaches are expected to be interviewed for open positions, with interview requests beginning as early as Monday. But when exactly can Lions coaches participate in these interviews?
As reported by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Lions’ first-round playoff bye allows interviews to start as soon as this Wednesday and continue until January 13. If Detroit secures the NFC’s No. 1 seed, both Johnson and Glenn can interview virtually anytime during this period. If the Lions lose on Sunday and are playing during Wild-Card weekend, interviews can begin three days after that game, lasting until January 19. In-person interviews cannot take place until the Lions’ season ends, and no sooner than January 20.
Teams are moving quickly to request interviews with Detroit’s coaches. The Chicago Bears, a division rival, requested to interview both Johnson and Glenn on Monday morning — the interview process is officially underway.
Reports indicate that Johnson is interested in the Bears’ job, and another report suggests he is expected to interview for the position. This increases the likelihood that Johnson may leave for a division rival.
Losing the top offensive coordinator in the league would be challenging enough, but if Johnson were to join the Bears, it would make the situation even more difficult for Lions fans to bear.
More news……
VIDEO: Ben Johnson’s Priceless Reaction to Lions’ Fake Stumble Touchdown
The Detroit Lions recently released the mic’d up footage from their incredible fake stumble trick play against the Chicago Bears, which continues to be a highlight from their game. Although the play happened nearly a week ago, the team dropped the video on Friday, capturing the sheer excitement of the moment.
To recap, with the Lions leading 27-14 early in the second half, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called a trick play inspired by a 2023 mistake-turned-touchdown from the Packers. On this play, quarterback Jared Goff pretended to stumble while running back Jahmyr Gibbs intentionally fell to the ground. Meanwhile, several players on the field falsely shouted that the team had fumbled, freezing the Bears’ defense long enough for tight end Sam LaPorta to sneak out unnoticed. Goff regained his balance and threw the ball over the defense to a wide-open LaPorta for a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 34-14.
In the mic’d up video, with Taylor Decker wearing the mic, we hear Goff’s play call:
“Hey, this is where we can finish them right here. Stumblebum,” Goff commands in the huddle.
From that point, it’s pure joy. Decker laughs, the Lions’ radio team quickly realizes it’s a trick play, and the sideline erupts in excitement.
However, the most rewarding moment is Johnson’s reaction. Known for his calm demeanor and focus on the next play, Johnson’s reaction shows just how much this play meant to him.
Celebration of the year might go to Ben Johnson 🤣🔥
🎥: @Lions | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/rScQaCGdcn
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) December 28, 2024
Coach Dan Campbell described the play as Johnson’s “baby” after the game, which explains his excitement when it succeeded. Although Johnson downplayed its significance this week, calling the Penei Sewell pass “a little bit more special,” he was likely just being modest.
“Honestly, I think the Penei (Sewell) pass is a little bit more special than that one, personally,” Johnson said. “That one, that’s a play that every team runs, and we just happened to put a little hot sauce on the ball-handling.”
You can watch the full mic’d up video below.
Come for mic'd up Stumblebum, stay for Ben's celly 🥳️ pic.twitter.com/xGBIVObYM9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 28, 2024
