By Sunday 
For two straight seasons, the Detroit Lions were a heartbeat away from making franchise history. But despite roaring success, each year ended in heartbreak. Now, as the 2025 NFL season approaches, optimism runs high—but so does one major question: can this team survive without its trusted coordinators?
Changing the Playbook—Literally
Losing both offensive guru Ben Johnson and defensive leader Aaron Glenn in one offseason is no small deal. The Lions’ offense under Johnson was explosive, while Glenn helped turn a shaky defense into a disciplined unit. Their departure? It’s a wound—one the Lions are now trying to patch with John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard.
John Morton brings NFL play-calling experience, but his last OC gig was back in 2017 with the Jets. Meanwhile, Sheppard is stepping into his biggest coaching role yet. The talent on the roster is there—but chemistry and leadership are question marks.
The Warning from Philly
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton dropped a cautionary tale from the 2023 Eagles—another strong team that stumbled after changing coordinators. The Eagles lost their offensive mojo despite elite talent. Could the same happen in Detroit?
It’s a fair warning. Even with returning stars like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson, new voices in the headset can change everything—for better or worse.
Hope, But With Caution
The Lions remain a top Super Bowl contender. Vegas odds say so. Fans feel it. But success this year isn’t just about roster talent. It’s about whether Morton and Sheppard can lead with the same confidence and clarity as their predecessors.
The gamble is real. And for Detroit, it might be the difference between finishing the story—or starting over again.