Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell saw his staff undergo a major shakeup last offseason, losing both coordinators — Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn — to head coaching roles, along with several other assistants who followed them to new opportunities.
This overhaul came on the heels of a stellar 2024 campaign in which Detroit secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 15-2 record, only to be knocked out by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
For Campbell, skepticism about whether the team can maintain its success amid such change only adds to his determination.
“I’ve always found motivation in negative talk — it was the same when I played,” Campbell told WXYZ-TV Detroit. “I’ll latch onto anything that can drive me. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t give me a little extra push. That’s the next challenge in front of us.”
Beyond losing Johnson and Glenn, Detroit also parted ways with passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, tight ends coach Steve Heiden, receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, and defensive line coach Terrell Williams. The Lions’ offense ranked first in the NFL in scoring last season (33.2 points per game) and second in total yardage (409.5 per game).
To fill the gaps, former senior offensive assistant John Morton is returning to take over as offensive coordinator, while linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to defensive coordinator after four years in that role group.
“If you build the system right, you should be able to step away and the operation won’t miss a beat,” Campbell said.
Since taking over in 2021, Campbell has guided the Lions to a 39-28-1 regular-season record, two playoff wins, and back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 season kicks off September 7 with a road matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers.
