The Detroit Lions went into the 2024 NFL season knowing that this was their best opportunity to win a Super Bowl. Despite several injuries on both sides of the ball, the Lions are projected to be one of the top NFL teams in 2024, but they are allegedly concerned about what lies ahead.
Detroit has been fortunate in previous years with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the top NFL coaching contenders, consistently declining head-coaching offers. However, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions coaching staff were aware that Johnson would eventually go.
Weeks before the NFL coaching carousel begins, reports have arisen that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears may be on Johnson’s radar. He is likely to conduct head-coaching interviews, and he may not be the only one departing the Lions in 2025.
According to CBS Sports NFL expert Jonathan Jones, Campbell is “prepared” to lose both of his coordinators this summer. Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are both highly sought after by many clubs, and both are expected to be named as head coaches this summer.
Losing both coordinators may have a huge impact on a club the next season. After reaching Super Bowl LVII, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon both left for head coaching positions in 2023.
Philadelphia began the next season 10-1 before imploding in the second half, ending the regular season 11-6 and losing 32-9 in the Wild Card Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl XXIX before losing both coordinators the following summer. San Francisco fell in the Divisional Round the following season.
Who will succeed Ben Johnson?
The degree of interest in Johnson over the years has allowed Campbell time to assess the Lions coaching staff and determine who may be the next offensive coordinator in Detroit.
According to Jones, possibilities for the next Lions offensive coordinator include associate head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
“Detroit is going to try to keep people there, whether that’s with salary or titles.”
Source on Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn possibly poaching members of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff.
In February, reports suggested that Engstrand may be Johnson’s replacement. The 42-year-old is largely regarded as a rising star in the NFL, and he has previously sparked interest in offensive coordinator positions.
If Johnson and Glenn are both named as head coaches, they will undoubtedly try to steal members of the Lions’ coaching staff. While Detroit will undoubtedly be able to prevent some of those movements with promotions and salary hikes, the Lions are certain to lose more than four coaching staff members this summer. Furthermore, Lions deputy general manager Ray Agnew may join either Glenn or Johnson in a package deal, bringing members of the Lions front office with him to a new team.
