By: Sean Davis 1/24/25
The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing, with the Detroit Lions experiencing significant changes to their coaching staff. Here are the key developments:
1. Aaron Glenn, former Lions defensive coordinator, has been hired as the new head coach of the New York Jets.
2. Ben Johnson, former Lions offensive coordinator, is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
3. Terrell Williams, Lions' defensive line coach, is joining the New England Patriots as their defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
These departures highlight the success of Dan Campbell's coaching tree and the Lions' recent turnaround. Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Campbell has quickly built one of the most extensive coaching trees in the NFL.
Lions GM Brad Holmes acknowledged they had been preparing for this scenario, though they were surprised to retain Johnson and Glenn as long as they did. Holmes emphasized the need to "pick yourself up and get back to work" in light of these changes.
The moves reflect the Lions' improved status in the NFL, with other teams now viewing Detroit as a model franchise. This is notable considering the Lions' recent playoff disappointments, including their upset loss to the Commanders in the divisional round last weekend.
Despite the coaching losses, both Campbell and Holmes remain confident in the Lions' future, stating that their championship window is still open. Campbell cited the team's established culture, identity, and key players as reasons for optimism.
These coaching changes add an interesting dynamic to the NFC North, with Johnson now leading a division rival in Chicago. Johnson himself acknowledged the Lions' potential, calling them a future "juggernaut" in his Bears introductory press conference.
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