Detroit Lions Face Coaching Shakeup After Historic Season

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions, fresh off their best season in franchise history, are bracing for significant coaching changes as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn emerge as top candidates for head-coaching positions across the NFL.

The Lions’ historic 15-win season ended in disappointment Saturday with a divisional-round playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. The defeat, marked by five turnovers, made Detroit the second team in NFL history to win 15 or more games and fail to secure a playoff victory, joining the 2011 Green Bay Packers.

During Sunday’s locker room cleanout, players acknowledged the likelihood of coaching departures. “I feel like it happens to teams every year,” said an injured star defensive tackle, who requested anonymity. “Players move in and out. Coaches move in and out. You just gotta roll with the punches and keep going.”

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Monday that he expects to lose both coordinators. Glenn, in particular, is in high demand, with multiple teams vying for his services. According to reports, Glenn is scheduled for second-round interviews with the New York Jets on Tuesday and the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders have also expressed interest.

Center Frank Ragnow, a Pro Bowl selection, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to withstand the potential departures. “I just believe, at the end of the day, this league’s all about players,” Ragnow said. “The foundation that [general manager] Brad [Holmes] and [coach] Dan [Campbell] have set with the cornerstone players in this locker room, I think it’s gonna be tough for us to do anything besides have success.”

Ragnow emphasized the talent and camaraderie within the team, noting that the Lions’ core players are “built like nothing I’ve ever seen” and are “willing to do whatever it takes for their teammates.”

Rookie cornerback Arnold, reflecting on Glenn’s potential departure, said, “In this business, you gotta do what’s best for you. If he has the opportunity to go out there — a lot of things have opened up — I wish him nothing but the best.” Arnold added with a smile, “But I told him, ‘If you take a job somewhere else and we play against you, we’re gonna beat you.'”

The Lions’ offseason will be defined by their ability to navigate these coaching changes while maintaining the momentum of back-to-back NFC North titles and their first-ever No. 1 seed. With Campbell at the helm, the organization remains optimistic about finding the right replacements and continuing their ascent in the NFL.