Lions hoping to avoid setback Eagles and Bengals had after coordinators left to lead other NFL teams

Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed confidence in head coach Dan Campbell, who had been preparing for the possibility of losing both coordinators. Holmes trusts Campbell to find the right replacements for Johnson and Glenn. While there was little the Lions could do to retain their coordinators, they hope to keep other key assistants and staff members, despite interest from the Bears and Jets.

In addition to coaching staff changes, Holmes will need to make decisions on key unrestricted free agents, such as guard Kevin Zeitler and cornerback Carlton Davis. He also plans to address long-term extensions for players like safety Kerby Joseph, who could become a free agent in 2026. Holmes praised Joseph’s unique skills, noting his ability to tackle and make plays as a ball-hawk.

The Lions had a standout regular season, securing a franchise-record 15 wins, winning back-to-back division titles, and earning the No. 1 seed for the first time in team history. However, their playoff run ended prematurely with a surprising loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round. Holmes acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the importance of not overlooking the team’s achievements during the regular season.