From #2 to #11: ESPN Slams Lions’ Coaching Staff After Key Losses

It’s amazing how quickly the conversation around the Detroit Lions can shift, isn’t it? One minute you’re the toast of the NFC, fresh off an electrifying run that has fans whispering “Super Bowl.” The next, you’re plummeting down ESPN’s latest rankings because, well… you lost your coordinators.

That’s the reality for Dan Campbell’s Lions heading into 2025. ESPN’s Ben Solak just dropped a coaching staff ranking that’s got Detroit tumbling from second-best in the NFL last season all the way down to 11th. Why the big drop? It’s all about the departures of Ben Johnson (hello, Bears) and Aaron Glenn (hello, Jets) — two men who were integral to Detroit’s top-tier offense and defense.


New Faces, New Questions

While Dan Campbell is still very much the heart and soul of this team, there’s no denying the risk involved when you promote new coordinators. Kelvin Sheppard, the former linebackers coach, now steps into Glenn’s shoes as defensive coordinator. Meanwhile, John Morton takes over the offense — and while he’s more seasoned, Sheppard is basically a “mystery man” to the wider NFL world.

“A player as recently as 2018, he has only coached in Detroit under Glenn, so his coaching DNA is trickier to riddle out,” Solak wrote, pointing out exactly why national pundits are skeptical.


The Leadership X-Factor

But here’s where the glass-half-full crowd can take comfort: Dan Campbell himself. ESPN’s Solak did give Detroit some love by highlighting that Campbell’s fingerprints were all over Ben Johnson’s offensive success — a detail many outside Detroit often overlook.

Let’s face it: Campbell’s authenticity and fearless leadership style are part of what’s fueled the Lions’ rise from league laughingstock to NFC contenders. Even with new play-callers, his philosophy and tone haven’t changed one bit.


Can the Lions Defy the Doubters?

The big question for 2025 is whether these new coordinators can translate Campbell’s vision into wins on the field. Sure, there might be communication hiccups or growing pains, especially early in the season. But if the players stay bought in — and the early vibes out of camp suggest they are — don’t be surprised if Detroit makes these gloomy rankings look silly come January.

Until then, Detroit will just have to sit back and let the talking heads do what they do best: talk.

 

By Sunday

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