By Moses Joshua 
Coordinator Shake-Up Sparks Debate, but Is the Doom and Gloom Premature?
A Harsh Label for a Team on the Rise
The Detroit Lions just wrapped up one of their most promising seasons in decades. They’ve built a roster brimming with talent, fostered a culture of resilience under head coach Dan Campbell, and reignited the hope of a long-suffering fan base. Yet despite all that progress, the Lions have been tagged with a surprising label this offseason: the biggest losers in the NFC North.
That bold verdict came courtesy of Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, who argues that Detroit’s loss of both coordinators this offseason is more damaging than any setbacks faced by their division rivals. The claim has raised eyebrows, and perhaps not without reason — but it also deserves a closer look.
Why the Coordinators’ Exit Stings
There’s no sugarcoating it — losing both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in the same offseason is a major blow. Johnson, the architect of Detroit’s high-flying offense, accepted the head coaching role with the division rival Chicago Bears. Glenn, who helped overhaul Detroit’s once-leaky defense, is now the head coach of the New York Jets.
As Moton put it:
“Campbell had help, though. He propelled the Lions to postseason contention with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as his coordinators… Campbell built a foundation with his coordinators, and it won’t be the same without them.”
He’s not wrong. Johnson and Glenn played pivotal roles in shaping Detroit’s identity. Their departure leaves behind big shoes to fill.
Fresh Faces, Familiar Foundations
But this isn’t a franchise flying blind. In a move signaling trust in internal growth, the Lions promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Sheppard, formerly the linebackers coach, has earned respect inside the locker room for his leadership and player rapport. On offense, Detroit brought in John Morton, who served as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator. Morton brings both experience and a fresh perspective to a group already buzzing with potential.
Importantly, there’s continuity. Campbell didn’t reach outside the football universe for replacements — he doubled down on familiarity, chemistry, and culture. That’s the same blueprint that helped the Lions turn their fortunes around in the first place.
Let’s Not Rewrite the Narrative Too Quickly
Yes, change can be unsettling. But this isn’t a rebuild — it’s a reload.
Detroit still boasts a loaded roster: Jared Goff under center, Amon-Ra St. Brown lighting up secondaries, Penei Sewell anchoring the line, and defensive stalwarts like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch. After a productive 2025 NFL Draft, the team arguably looks deeper than it did last season.
Suggesting Detroit has “questions to answer” is fair. Calling them the “biggest losers” in a division where teams like the Vikings and Bears are still navigating quarterback dilemmas and identity crises? That’s a stretch — maybe even a clickbait stretch.
The Verdict: Not Losing, Just Evolving
Sure, the Lions have a different look heading into the new season. But let’s not confuse transition with regression. The train hasn’t derailed — it’s simply moving forward on a new track.
And with Dan Campbell still steering, don’t expect Detroit to slow down any time soon