Following an impressive 2024 regular season where the Detroit Lions finished with a 15-2 record, it was expected that several players and coaches would be in the running for major awards.
This expectation has been met, as the finalists for the 2024 awards were announced. According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, one Lions player and three coaches made the list of finalists.
Quarterback Jared Goff has earned a spot as a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award. Goff will compete against Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Although Goff faces stiff competition, his recognition as a finalist is a significant achievement, especially considering he’s often overlooked. Despite a difficult season’s end, Goff had a strong performance in his first 17 games, completing 72.4% of his passes for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, setting career highs in both completion rate and touchdowns.
Head coach Dan Campbell is nominated for Coach of the Year, where he will face competition from Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Both former Lions coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, are also up for Assistant Coach of the Year. Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, and Glenn was hired by the New York Jets.
Johnson and Glenn will compete against Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Campbell, Glenn, and Johnson each have a strong chance of winning their respective awards, with Campbell and Johnson having the best odds. Under their leadership, the Lions had an elite offense and finished the season with a 15-2 record, the best in franchise history, securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The winners will be announced during the NFL Honors show, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6.
