By Sunday 
Detroit’s rising star coach might not be around much longer — and that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Another Chapter in the Lions’ Coaching Turnover
The Detroit Lions are rolling into the 2025 season with high expectations — and high turnover.
After an electrifying 2024 regular season and a gut-wrenching playoff exit, the Lions lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching roles. It was a well-earned leap for both, but for Detroit fans, it was also a stark reminder of what success often leads to in the NFL: poachers circling the coaching staff like hawks.
Now, ESPN has added another name to the Lions’ growing list of hot commodities: assistant head coach and newly minted wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery.
Why Scottie’s Stock Is Skyrocketing
Let’s be clear — Montgomery didn’t just stumble onto this list. His coaching résumé is starting to read like a blueprint for a future NFL head coach.
Over the past two seasons, he was instrumental in developing the Lions’ ground game into a historic force. Under his guidance, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery became the first running back duo in NFL history to each rush for 10+ touchdowns in back-to-back seasons (2023 and 2024). That kind of consistency and explosiveness is rare — and it didn’t happen by accident.
Montgomery’s transition to coaching wide receivers this season might seem like a shift, but in reality, it’s a sign of trust from Dan Campbell and the staff. He’s proving his versatility — and giving GM Brad Holmes even more reason to sweat about keeping him around.
“He Has Put In the Work”
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard summed it up perfectly:
“He has said his ultimate goal is to become an NFL head coach, and he has put in the work.”
If Montgomery delivers the same kind of magic with the wide receivers that he did with the backfield, he might not even need to wait until the 2026 cycle to get serious interest. The NFL loves results, and Montgomery’s got receipts.
The Flip Side: What It Means for Detroit
Of course, the Lions want all their staff to succeed — just not somewhere else.
After years of instability, Detroit has finally built a culture that’s winning games and building leaders. But with that comes the inevitable risk of your brightest minds getting plucked away.
If Montgomery does leave after this season, it’ll sting — but it’ll also signal that Detroit continues to be one of the league’s top incubators for coaching talent.
Goff’s Redemption Arc Also in the Spotlight
While we’re talking about things to prove, Jared Goff also enters this season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. After a stellar 2024 season, the Lions’ franchise QB melted down in the divisional round, committing four turnovers against the Commanders.
So yes, this season is loaded with subplots: Can Goff silence the doubters? Can Montgomery work wonders with the receivers? Can Detroit finally take that last leap?
Time will tell — but if Montgomery’s trajectory continues, he might be doing that from a much higher perch next year.