Detroit Lions Coaching Staff Overhaul: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

A Time of Transition for Detroit

The Detroit Lions have experienced a major coaching shake-up this offseason, losing several key staff members and forcing the organization to make swift replacements. With a mix of internal promotions and new hires, the Lions’ coaching staff is taking on a fresh look as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Here’s a breakdown of the current coaching lineup, who’s filling in for departed coaches, and which positions remain open.

Offensive Staff Changes

The Lions have made significant adjustments on offense, particularly after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. His departure triggered a series of moves that have reshaped the entire offensive coaching team.

Key Offensive Hires and Promotions

• Offensive Coordinator: John Morton replaces Ben Johnson.
• Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers Coach: Scottie Montgomery replaces Antwaan Randle El, who left for the Chicago Bears.
• Passing Game Coordinator: David Shaw takes over for Tanner Engstrand.
• Running Backs Coach: Tashard Choice replaces Scottie Montgomery, who was promoted.
• Tight Ends Coach: Tyler Roehl replaces Steve Heiden.
• Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator: Hank Fraley remains in his role.
• Quarterbacks Coach: Mark Brunell continues to oversee quarterback development.

Offensive Assistants in Place

While most assistant roles have been filled, a few key spots still remain uncertain:

• Assistant Quarterbacks Coach: Possibly Bruce Gradkowski, replacing J.T. Barrett, though this has not been confirmed.
• Assistant Wide Receivers Coach: Seth Ryan joins the staff in a supporting role.
• Assistant Offensive Line Coach: Steve Oliver steps into the position.

The most intriguing vacancy remains the assistant quarterbacks coach job, where Gradkowski seems like a logical choice, but no official announcement has been made.

Defensive Coaching Staff Adjustments

Unlike the offense, Detroit’s defensive coaching staff has seen fewer shake-ups, with several internal promotions maintaining continuity. However, the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn forced a major hire.

Key Defensive Hires and Promotions

• Defensive Coordinator: Kelvin Sheppard is promoted, replacing Aaron Glenn.
• Defensive Line Coach: Kacy Rodgers steps in for Terrell Williams.
• Linebackers Coach: Shaun Dion Hamilton moves up to take Sheppard’s previous role.
• Defensive Backs Coach: Deshea Townsend joins the Lions.
• Outside Linebackers Coach: David Corrao takes on a new role.
• Defensive Assistant: Jim O’Neil adds experience to the staff.
• Defensive Quality Control: Dre Thompson joins the team.

A few key positions still need to be filled, including the Assistant Defensive Line Coach and the Assistant Linebackers Coach, as the Lions continue finalizing their defensive staff.

Special Teams: Stability Amidst Change

Unlike the offense and defense, Detroit’s special teams unit remains untouched.

• Special Teams Coordinator: Dave Fipp retains his role.
• Assistant Special Teams Coordinator: Jett Modkins continues in his position.

This consistency should provide stability for the Lions’ special teams unit, which has been one of the strongest in the league.

What’s Next for the Lions?

The Lions have done a solid job replacing their departing coaches while maintaining key elements of their staff. With a promising roster and a coaching group filled with experience and new energy, Detroit looks poised to continue building on their recent success.

However, with a few positions still unfilled, there’s still work to be done before the team’s coaching staff is fully set for the new season. Fans will be watching closely to see who else the Lions bring in to finalize their staff as they prepare for another deep playoff run.