By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are stepping into the 2025 season with one goal in mind: a return to the Super Bowl. But they’ll have to do it without two of the key architects behind their recent success—offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Both have landed head coaching gigs, with Johnson heading to the Chicago Bears and Glenn taking the reins with the New York Jets.
Losing coaches of their caliber is never easy, especially after a season in which the Lions boasted one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. Detroit’s attack wasn’t just explosive—it was historic. Between the electric Jahmyr Gibbs and the bruising David Montgomery, the team produced two 1,000-yard rushers. Quarterback Jared Goff came within striking distance of a 5,000-yard passing season. Those kinds of numbers don’t happen by accident.
But while the national media has voiced concern over how the Lions will cope without Johnson pulling the strings, head coach Dan Campbell isn’t losing any sleep. In his eyes, the real magic lies in the players—not just in the play-calling.
“This is a Detroit Lion offense, is what it is,” Campbell said confidently. “This offense is Jared Goff, (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, (Jahmyr) Gibbs, (David) Montgomery. It’s Frank (Ragnow); it’s (Penei) Sewell; it’s (Taylor) Decker.”
For Campbell, it’s clear: the identity of this team is defined by the guys in the huddle, not the headset on the sideline. “We can say, ‘Well this is our scheme, this is what we’re running.’ No, no, no,” he emphasized. “(The players are) the ones who make it what it is. That’s our playbook, those guys.”
While the loss of Johnson may dominate headlines, it’s not the only change. Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El has also joined Johnson in Chicago as an assistant head coach, and former passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand followed Glenn to New York as the Jets’ new offensive coordinator.
To fill Johnson’s shoes, the Lions brought in John Morton, a veteran coach with experience as a former Jets OC and a trusted assistant under Sean Payton in both New Orleans and Denver. Morton is expected to bring with him elements of Payton’s highly efficient passing schemes—something Goff, a cerebral and rhythm-based quarterback, is likely to embrace.
At first glance, Campbell’s comments might sound like a subtle jab at Johnson. But that’s not the case. It’s more a vote of confidence in a roster that has matured and gelled under Johnson’s watch. His influence helped shape this team—but Campbell firmly believes the players can carry that momentum forward.
Sure, putting up 30 points a game might not be a given anymore. But even without Johnson, this offense still has enough firepower and leadership to keep defenses on their heels all season long.