By Mummy Grace 
Lions Coach Misses Out on Promotion for 2025 Season
After a challenging offseason shakeup, the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff continues to experience changes. Following the departures of coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head coaching positions, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has had to navigate a revamped staff for the 2025 season. Despite these losses, some continuity remains.
Campbell was able to promote Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator and retain offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who will now also serve as run game coordinator. However, not all news has been positive for the Lions.
On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers announced that Brant Boyer would be their new special teams coordinator. Lions assistant special teams coach Jett Modkins had been in the running for this role but was ultimately passed over. Modkins, who has served as Detroit’s assistant special teams coach for the past four years, surprisingly didn’t garner many interviews this offseason, despite his success with the team.
It was a bit of a surprise that neither Johnson nor Glenn chose to bring Modkins along to their new teams. Johnson hired Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator in Chicago, while Glenn has yet to fill the position with the Jets, though Chris Banjo is reportedly a top contender.
If Modkins does not secure a special teams coordinator role elsewhere, the Lions would be happy to keep him. Under his guidance, Detroit has had one of the best special teams units in the league, highlighted by rookie kicker Jake Bates, who made 89.7% of his field goals, including 6-of-8 from beyond 50 yards.
After the whirlwind coaching changes, Campbell will likely appreciate having some stability with Modkins and the special teams group as the team prepares for the 2025 season.