By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions have established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. However, the franchise faces a significant challenge in 2025 as it navigates a major coaching staff overhaul. Both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have moved on to new opportunities—Johnson joining the Chicago Bears and Glenn heading to the New York Jets.
As often happens in these situations, the former coordinators are bringing key Lions assistants with them. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X, tight ends coach Steve Heiden will follow Glenn to New York. Additionally, Detroit’s passing game coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, is reportedly a top candidate for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position. Although Engstrand hasn’t officially made the move yet, it appears likely.
Heiden, who began his coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, spent a decade with the organization before joining Detroit. For the past two seasons, he’s been instrumental as the Lions’ tight ends coach. He is now set to serve as the Jets’ offensive line coach under Glenn.
Despite these departures, the Lions have wasted no time in restructuring their coaching staff. Campbell has hired John Morton as the team’s new offensive coordinator and promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Sheppard, who had been the linebackers coach for the past three seasons, was initially rumored to be heading to New York with Glenn. However, he ultimately chose to remain in Detroit.
Campbell reportedly considered several candidates for the defensive coordinator role, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant Larry Foote, but opted to promote from within by giving Sheppard the position.
Meanwhile, the Jets have filled their defensive coordinator vacancy by hiring Steve Wilks, a veteran coach with 30 years of experience. Wilks previously served as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, guiding the team to Super Bowl LVIII in 2023.
Despite the coaching shake-up, the Lions remain optimistic about their future. With Campbell’s proven track record in hiring talented staff, Detroit fans have reason to believe that the team will continue competing at a high level and keep its Super Bowl aspirations intact.