The Detroit Lions hoped that 2025 would finally be the year that they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and ended their championship drought. Instead, Detroit was upset by the Washington Commanders, who went into Ford Field and dismantled the 15-2 Lions in the Divisional Round. So, where does Detroit go from here?
Lions May Lose Both OC Ben Johnson, DC Aaron Glenn
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions are expected to lose both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching vacancies during this offseason cycle.
Johnson, who helped Detroit average an NFL-best 33.1 points per game while also ranking No. 1 in PFN’s Offense+ metric, will be conducting final meetings with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Johnson has long been a sought-after head coach candidate, as he received overtures last year from the Commanders and Carolina Panthers before ultimately deciding to stay in Detroit to chase a title.
Lately, there has been a lot of buzz connecting Johnson to the Raiders, most notably due to the influence of new minority owner Tom Brady. It seems that Johnson is Brady and Vegas’ top choice, but it remains to be seen which opening he’s most interested in.
Meanwhile, Glenn looks poised to leave Detroit for his own head coaching job as well.
Under Glenn, the Lions finished with the NFL’s fifth-best defense in PFN’s Defense+ metric. Even after Aidan Hutchinson went down and injuries to other key players decimated Detroit, Glenn’s unit remained a top-five defense and leaned into its aggressive identity.
Schefter mentioned on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” that Glenn is expected to get a head-coaching offer from an organization this week. Among the teams showing significant interest in Glenn are the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Jaguars, and Raiders.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed this sentiment, reporting that Lions head coach Dan Campbell is “preparing to lose both coordinators.”
Dan Campbell Talks About Potentially Having To Hire 2 New Coordinators
On Monday, Campbell acknowledged that significant coaching staff changes are on the horizon for Detroit. With the Lions preparing to lose Johnson and Glenn, Campbell will consider internal and external candidates when it comes time to fill those vacancies.
“I think we have guys on staff that are more than qualified and would be outstanding in those roles,” Campbell said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not looking outside either. So, I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible — and we don’t lose what we’re about and our identity. …
“I’m not gonna be in a hurry [to find replacements]. I’m not in a mad dash. No matter what happens, I want to do what’s right by our team. Those guys will be able to stand in front of that room and command respect and get everybody going in the same direction and will ultimately deliver the same message that I’m delivering.”
Since Johnson took command of Detroit’s offense in 2022, their touchdown rate has risen exponentially:
- 2021 (before Johnson took over): 19.7% TD rate
- 2022: 29.5% TD rate
- 2023: 30.5% TD rate
- 2024: 37.4% TD rate
Johnson has seamlessly blended an aggressive style via the ground and air. Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a career renaissance under Johnson, while Detroit also has the best one-two punch at running back in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
On the defensive side, Glenn’s unit has steadily improved under his leadership each season since he took over in 2021. This year, Detroit allowed fewer than two points per drive (1.91) for the first time during Glenn’s tenure.
- 2020 (before Glenn took over): 2.95 points allowed per drive
- 2021: 2.52
- 2022: 2.28
- 2023: 2.03
- 2024: 1.91
With Johnson and Glenn nearly out the door, all eyes will be on the Lions to see how they replace two of the top coordinators in the league. It remains to be seen how much of an impact losing Johnson and Glenn will have on Detroit next season.
“We’re going to stay true to who we are,” Campbell said.
