By Moses Joshua 
Detroit braces for change as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn potentially leave for top coaching jobs after the Lions’ historic season
The Detroit Lions are facing an offseason filled with uncertainty and potential upheaval after a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. With their historic season ending abruptly, the Lions now look to navigate the potential departure of two key figures in their success—offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn—who are both drawing significant interest from teams seeking head coaches.
The Inevitable Change in Detroit
As players packed their bags and cleared out their lockers on Sunday, the reality of change hung heavily in the air. Many acknowledged that, in the NFL, transitions are a constant. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill reflected on the inevitability of such moves, saying, “I feel like it happens to teams every year. Players move in and out. Coaches move in and out. You just gotta roll with the punches and keep going.”
This sense of change comes on the heels of an historic season for the Lions. Despite their crushing loss to the Commanders, which ended their season in the divisional round, Detroit had reached new heights, securing the NFC North title for a second consecutive year and finishing the regular season as the No. 1 seed. But with success comes the inevitable attention from other franchises, and with Johnson and Glenn’s roles instrumental to the Lions’ turnaround, it’s likely they’ll be offered head-coaching opportunities this offseason.
The Loss of Key Coaches: A Growing Reality
While the players are still processing the sting of their playoff defeat, the reality is setting in that both Johnson and Glenn may leave for more prominent roles. According to center Frank Ragnow, the loss of these coaching leaders would certainly be felt, but the Lions are built on a solid foundation that should allow them to remain competitive.
“I just believe, at the end of the day, this league’s all about players,” Ragnow said, citing the strong foundation laid by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. “And the foundation that they’ve set with the [cornerstone] players in this locker room, I think it’s gonna be tough for us to do anything besides have success.”
Ragnow also emphasized that with the talent already locked in for the long term, the team would have no reason to believe they will fall off, even with significant coaching changes. “Some of the talented players in this locker room are built like nothing I’ve ever seen,” he added. “Just the right-wired guys that are willing to do whatever it takes for their teammates.”
The Future of the Lions: A Team Built to Withstand Change
Despite the potential loss of both coordinators, the Lions are optimistic about their future. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold shared his perspective, understanding that any coach’s decision to leave for a better opportunity is part of the business. He added with a smile, “But I told him, ‘If you take a job somewhere else and we play against you, we’re gonna beat you.'”
The Lions’ loss to the Commanders may have started an offseason filled with uncertainty and questions, but the players remain confident in their team’s future. With a strong roster and a clear commitment to success, Detroit believes they will continue to thrive, even in the face of change. As Frank Ragnow put it, “There’s always talented players all over this league, but the players in this locker room are something special.”
As the Lions look to move forward, all eyes will be on Campbell and Holmes to navigate this pivotal offseason and ensure the team remains a contender for years to come. The coaching staff may change, but the Lions’ foundation is as strong as ever.