From Motor City to New Beginnings: Lions Coordinators Depart Ahead of 2025 Season
Since 2000, there have been only three instances where a team has lost both its offensive and defensive coordinators before the start of a season. Following a shocking loss to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional round, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided to part ways with the Detroit Lions. Johnson was the first of the two to leave as he found a deal in Chicago to be their head coach. Only one day after Johnson signed his new contract, Glenn signed a contract with the New York Jets to be their head coach.
Both of these coaches have previous ties to the cities they signed with as well. Johnson grew up in South Carolina; however, he and his brother grew up watching the Chicago Cubs on WGN with their family and soon started attending summer games together. Aaron Glenn was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 1994. He played his first eight seasons with New York as a cornerback and earned All-Pro honors in 1997 and 1998.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was a key piece of the puzzle that eventually led to the hiring of Ben Johnson. In interviews leading up to the Lions divisional game, he received constant questions about his whereabouts after the season, as he slowly hinted he would be leaving Detroit. An offensive-minded coach in Johnson, with the opportunity to work with a great young quarterback, is something nearly impossible to pass up. Aaron Glenn also saw potential in the Jets with former Bears quarterback Justin Fields leading the charge this season. The ultimate goal for both of these coaches is the opportunity to prove that they are more than just coordinators, that they are capable of competing against top talent in the league.
The Lions ranked first in points-per-game, total yards-per-game, touchdowns per drive, and many other statistics under Johnson, so is it possible to stay on the same level without the captain of the ship? On the other side of the ball, Glenn ranked first in combined passer rating and rushing defense. It will be a challenging start to the year for Detroit as they face the Packers in Week One and then the Bears in Week Two. Allowing the players to adjust to these new offensive sets and formations will be key if they want to get back to their winning ways.
