A New Era for the Detroit Lions: Major Coaching Changes Shake Up the Team

A Season of Transition

The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2025 season with a fresh look on the sidelines. Both offensive and defensive coordinator positions saw major shakeups as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn departed for head coaching opportunities. With new leadership in place, fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the team’s performance on both sides of the ball.

Kelvin Sheppard Sets the Tone for the Defense

New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wasted no time outlining his vision for the Lions’ defense. In a recent interview, he emphasized a relentless, high-effort mentality that will be “non-negotiable” for his players.

“So that togetherness and so many things trickle from there. Absolutely relentless effort — non-negotiable,” Sheppard stated. “The coaches aren’t coaching effort. You’ll stand out if you’re lax on this defense. And then just nasty, tenacious, finishing, scratching, clawing, fighting for every blade of grass that’s out there.”

Sheppard’s approach aligns with Detroit’s recent defensive philosophy under Aaron Glenn, focusing on toughness and unity. However, Sheppard may introduce new schematic tweaks to better suit the personnel at his disposal.

From Player to Coach: Sheppard’s Journey

Sheppard’s rise through the coaching ranks has been impressive. After an eight-year career as an NFL linebacker—including a stint with the Lions—he joined Detroit’s coaching staff in 2021. He started as an outside linebackers coach before being promoted to linebackers coach in 2022. His latest promotion to defensive coordinator in January reflects the trust the organization has in his leadership.

John Morton’s Familiarity with Jared Goff Shapes the Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions turned to John Morton to replace Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator. Morton, who previously worked with quarterback Jared Goff, spoke about how their history together will influence his play-calling decisions.

“I think it’s big because it all starts with the quarterback… Just kind of knowing him – and when I was here, I was in the quarterback room. So, I have a feel of what he likes, what he doesn’t. That’s important as a play-caller,” Morton explained in an interview with Fox 2 Detroit’s Dan Miller.

Morton’s familiarity with Goff could provide stability for the Lions’ offense, helping to ensure a smooth transition despite Johnson’s departure.

What’s Next for the Lions?

With Sheppard taking charge of the defense and Morton steering the offense, the Lions are entering a pivotal season. The team’s success will depend on how quickly players adapt to new coaching styles and whether these changes can elevate Detroit to new heights.

As the offseason progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how the team evolves under its new leadership. Will the Lions build on their recent success, or will growing pains slow them down? One thing is certain—Detroit is embracing change, and the 2025 season will be a defining moment for the franchise.