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Frank Ragnow’s Bombshell Adds to Dan Campbell’s Offseason Headaches
The Detroit Lions’ offseason was already full of plot twists—and then Frank Ragnow decided to drop a bombshell.
The team’s All-Pro center announced his retirement, citing long-standing health concerns. And while Lions fans certainly wish Ragnow nothing but the best, his departure is just the latest curveball in what’s shaping up to be a topsy-turvy transition for Dan Campbell and the Detroit offense.
Let’s unpack how the Lions got here, what’s changing, and what it could all mean heading into 2025.
A Dominant Offense Enters Uncharted Territory
Under Ben Johnson, Detroit’s offense became one of the NFL’s elite units. Top five in both yards and scoring for three straight seasons. Always efficient. Always dangerous. Johnson’s ability to blend power runs with creative passing plays made the Lions not only fun to watch but brutally effective.
But Johnson’s now in Chicago, taking over as head coach of the division-rival Bears. In his place? John Morton, a senior offensive assistant with Detroit in 2022 and most recently the pass game coordinator for Sean Payton’s Broncos.
Morton’s message so far? Don’t expect a complete overhaul.
“I’m not changing much,” Morton said. “I mean, why?”
And he’s got a point. When you inherit a machine that hums like Detroit’s offense did under Johnson, it’s wise not to tinker too much.
Still, change is inevitable. Different voices bring different ideas, and even subtle shifts can alter how things unfold on the field.
Shifting Gears in the Passing Game
One of the first things to watch under Morton is how much more passing we’ll see. Johnson was rooted in the run game, but Morton—having coached receivers and coordinated passing games—might nudge the balance toward the air attack.
That could mean more quick passes for Jared Goff, who’s quietly become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in that realm. His 111.5 passer rating on quick throws last year ranked fourth-best in the league. Expect Morton to lean into that more often.
Another area for potential evolution? Deep shots. Goff ranked near the bottom of the league in deep-pass attempts, yet steadily improved at them under Johnson. If Morton finds ways to unleash Jameson Williams more consistently, the vertical attack could help open things up underneath for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Bottom line: this passing game might get a bit more vertical and a lot more varied.
Gibbs vs. Montgomery: A Balancing Act
Detroit’s rushing attack has been one of its defining strengths, thanks to the thunder-lightning combo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. They split carries almost perfectly evenly through Week 14 last season, but Gibbs was undeniably the more explosive option.
Heading into 2025, with Gibbs now entering Year 3 and Montgomery getting older, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the younger back take on a larger role—especially early in games. So far, opening drives have heavily featured Montgomery, but that strategy may shift to keep both backs fresher throughout the contest.
Expect Morton to experiment with the split—not to break up what’s working, but to maximize it.
Trouble in the Trenches
But all of those passing and running plans rely on one crucial element: a solid offensive line. And this is where the Lions suddenly find themselves in murky waters.
They’ve already lost Kevin Zeitler to free agency. Now, with Ragnow stepping away, the heart of their line is gone too.
Replacing him is no small task. Whether it’s rookie Tate Ratledge or versatile veteran Graham Glasgow moving over to center, Goff will be adjusting to new faces in key spots—right up the middle. And that’s a big deal for a quarterback like Goff, who prefers to step up into clean pockets rather than scramble outside.
The interior protection will be tested early and often. And that might affect the run game, too—especially considering how dominant Detroit was running between the tackles with Ragnow anchoring the middle.
Can the Lions Hold It Together?
Here’s the thing: Detroit still has elite talent on offense. Goff, St. Brown, LaPorta, Gibbs, Sewell, Decker—it’s a stacked deck by most standards. But chemistry and cohesion are just as important as skill, and the Lions are facing major turnover at the spots where timing and trust matter most.
Dan Campbell isn’t panicking. That’s not his style. But he’s got a real juggling act on his hands this summer.
From a new play-caller to a restructured O-line to a rebalanced rushing attack, this isn’t last year’s Lions. And how they navigate that reality might define their season.
So yeah—Frank Ragnow’s retirement? It’s more than just a footnote. It might be the domino that changes everything.