Amon-Ra St. Brown Delivers Clear Message Amid Lions Coordinator Changes
With both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn departing for head coaching roles—Johnson with the Bears and Glenn with the Jets—the Detroit Lions are entering a new era under fresh leadership. John Morton takes over as offensive coordinator, while Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to run the defense.
Naturally, questions have surfaced about whether Detroit can sustain its recent rise in performance without the influential guidance of Johnson and Glenn, who helped lead the team to back-to-back division titles and solidify their standing as a top NFL contender. But wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown isn’t buying into the skepticism.
“These guys know what they’re doing,” St. Brown said in an interview with Jori Eps. “We’re not replacing them with people who are clueless. Don’t act like we brought in some nobodies. These coaches understand the game.”
Morton is no stranger to Detroit’s system—he served as a senior offensive assistant with the Lions in 2022 before spending last season as the Broncos’ passing game coordinator. His familiarity with Detroit’s offensive scheme could help smooth the transition.
On the defensive side, Sheppard has earned his stripes over the past four years as the Lions’ linebackers coach. A former NFL player himself from 2011 to 2018, he’s worked his way up the coaching ranks and now gets his shot leading the defense.
Skepticism surrounding the new coordinators isn’t necessarily a reflection of their abilities, but rather an acknowledgment of just how effective Johnson and Glenn were. Under Johnson, Detroit boasted a top-three offense each of the last three years, known for its innovation and efficiency. Glenn, meanwhile, was instrumental in turning around a struggling defense and bringing a much-needed toughness to the unit.
Still, with a roster brimming with talent—especially on offense—the Lions have the tools to keep things rolling. If Morton and Sheppard can carry forward the lessons and culture established by their predecessors, Detroit may not miss a beat as they continue their push for a Super Bowl run.
