The Detroit Lions set out to achieve one goal in the 2024 season — to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. They performed impressively during the regular season, finishing with a league-leading 15 wins and securing the top seed in the NFC. However, their playoff run ended in disappointment, as they were knocked out by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
The Lions now face new challenges heading into the 2025 season, as they lose both their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching positions elsewhere. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the head coach role with the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is heading to the New York Jets. This shift could potentially derail the Lions’ path to Super Bowl contention in the upcoming season, as highlighted by analyst Gary Davenport.
Davenport noted that the loss of both coordinators, combined with the potential departure of key players in free agency, leaves the Lions in a difficult spot. He emphasized that maintaining success is often harder than reaching the top in the first place, and the team may face significant setbacks.
On the bright side, the Lions will get back some key players, including star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who was sidelined due to an injury. Head coach Dan Campbell remains confident in the team’s future, despite their playoff disappointment. After last season’s NFC title game loss, Campbell had boldly stated that anything less than a Super Bowl victory would be considered a failure.
Despite the setbacks from the Commanders’ loss, Campbell expressed optimism about the team’s prospects for 2025, emphasizing the core group of players still in place. He stressed that the team has built a strong culture and identity, which will keep them in contention for a Super Bowl next season. According to Campbell, the Lions’ window for success remains open, as they have the necessary talent in key positions.
