Detroit Lions Focus on Stability After Coordinator Departures as Eagles, Bengals Face Challenges

Detroit Lions Focus on Stability After Coordinator Departures as Eagles, Bengals Face Challenges

As the NFL offseason continues, the Detroit Lions are determined to avoid the pitfalls faced by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals after their successful coordinators departed for head coaching roles. With the Lions poised to build on their recent progress, the franchise is focused on ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding setbacks that can occur when key staff members move on.

In the past few seasons, both the Eagles and Bengals have experienced significant changes in their coaching staff, particularly after their respective coordinators received offers to become head coaches elsewhere. The Eagles lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators following their Super Bowl appearance, with Shane Steichen heading to Indianapolis and Jonathan Gannon taking over in Arizona. Similarly, the Bengals saw their offensive coordinator, Brian Callahan, emerge as a top candidate for a head coaching position, as did defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

While changes like these can often be seen as a sign of success, they can also lead to instability, with new staff members needing time to adjust to the team’s existing culture and roster. The Eagles, in particular, faced challenges in the 2023 season, as their offense, while still potent, was noticeably less effective after Steichen’s departure. The Bengals, too, felt the effects of coaching turnover, with some of their key strategies not translating as smoothly under new leadership.

For the Lions, the priority in 2025 is to ensure that they don’t face similar disruptions. Detroit, under head coach Dan Campbell, has steadily improved in recent seasons, with an aggressive, physical style of play winning over both fans and players. Much of that success has been credited to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has turned the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s most explosive units.

With Johnson a candidate for head coaching jobs, many in Detroit are concerned that he could follow in the footsteps of Steichen and Gannon. However, the Lions’ front office is actively working to create an environment where Johnson can remain with the team for the foreseeable future. Reports indicate that the Lions have made a strong effort to extend Johnson’s contract, making him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the league, as they look to lock him down for the long term.

Campbell, too, plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the franchise’s coaching staff. His leadership has helped shape a team culture that values accountability and consistency, two critical elements that have fostered the Lions’ growth. By maintaining a level of continuity among coaching staff, Detroit hopes to build on its momentum, avoiding the setbacks seen in other teams after coordinator departures.

The Lions’ front office also seems prepared for a worst-case scenario, with contingency plans in place should Johnson eventually leave. Detroit has reportedly identified a pool of potential candidates to replace him if necessary, ensuring that the team doesn’t experience the same level of disruption that other teams have faced in recent seasons.

As the 2025 NFL season looms closer, the Lions are looking to maintain their competitive edge and continue building toward a championship. By securing their coaching staff and ensuring stability at key positions, Detroit hopes to avoid the same setbacks faced by the Eagles and Bengals, allowing them to stay on track for what could be a promising season ahead.

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