Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are expected to secure head coaching roles during this NFL hiring cycle, according to insider Adam Schefter. These two key contributors to Detroit’s successful 2024 season are likely to depart, leaving the Lions searching for replacements for both their offensive and defensive coordinators.
Key Roles in Lions’ Success
Johnson and Glenn played pivotal roles in the Lions earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Johnson orchestrated Detroit’s league-best offense, which averaged 33.2 points per game, while Glenn managed to keep the defense strong despite injuries to major players like Aidan Hutchinson. Their efforts helped the team achieve an impressive 15-2 record, tied for the NFL’s best alongside the Kansas City Chiefs.
Schefter’s Prediction
Speaking on ESPN’s *Get Up*, Schefter expressed confidence in their future as head coaches:
“They’re going to lose both their coordinators,” Schefter said. “Aaron Glenn’s going to get a head coaching job. Ben Johnson’s going to get a head coaching job. And the Lions are going to be in search of two replacements for two guys right now who are tracking to land head coaching jobs.”
Schefter also revealed which teams have shown interest in the two coaches. Ben Johnson has been linked to the Raiders, Jaguars, and Bears, while Aaron Glenn is reportedly being considered by the Jets and Saints, among others. These opportunities reflect their strong reputations and the demand for their expertise.
Their Impact in Detroit
Glenn has been the Lions’ defensive coordinator since 2021, transforming Detroit’s defense into a formidable unit. Despite facing injuries to starters, Glenn’s leadership helped the Lions clinch the NFC’s top seed this season. Meanwhile, Johnson’s creative offensive schemes turned Detroit into a scoring powerhouse, drawing interest from nearly every team with a head coaching vacancy.
Lions’ Upcoming Playoff Game
Despite the hiring buzz surrounding their coordinators, the Lions remain focused on their postseason goals. They are set to face the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. The Lions earned a bye week thanks to their outstanding regular season and are hosting the game as the NFC’s top seed.
The Commanders’ Surprise Run
Washington enters the matchup after upsetting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, fueled by standout performances from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Lions will look to continue their dominant season under head coach Dan Campbell, even as speculation about Johnson and Glenn’s future continues to swirl.
Detroit’s loss of these two talented coordinators will undoubtedly be a challenge, but it also highlights the impressive turnaround the Lions have achieved. As the NFL hiring cycle heats up, their departure seems inevitable, and their contributions to the Lions’ success will leave a lasting impact.
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