The Detroit Lions have two new coordinators, but Dan Campbell laid out why there shouldn’t be too much concern.
A quick way to easily dismiss the potential of the 2025 Detroit Lions is to point out they have two new coordinators for the upcoming season. Both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left for head coaching jobs—a testament to the kind of coaches Dan Campbell is able to identify and trust.
But is that criticism too quick and easy? It certainly seems dismissive of John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard—two coaches who have gained solid reputations for years of work. Not to mention both are uniquely qualified to run very similar systems that the Lions have been running for the last four years.
When asked about such criticism the Lions are already facing, Campbell expressed no serious concerns.
“I’m not worried about we lost two coordinators,” Campbell said.
But even the Lions head coach admitted that there is a challenge this spring and summer to ensure that not just the coordinators, but the 14 coaches who will either be in charge of a new room or saw a promotion of duties, learn to communicate with each other in their new roles.
“There’s a lot of working together, everybody being on the same page, making sure that coordinators want what they want, coordinators know what I want,” Campbell said. “And so, this is the best time to do that. We’re all working through that, working through the kinks, which is awesome. It’s only been two days, but it’s been really good.”
So today’s Question of the Day is:
How concerned are you about the Lions new coordinators?
My answer: I have almost zero concern with Kelvin Sheppard and the defense. We know he sees the game almost identically to Glenn, and I know for certain that he has the character to lead that entire side of the ball. While he may be on the younger side, I don’t really view that as a negative. He clearly has a talent relating to his players, and I do not question his knowledge of the defense.
As for Morton, he brings a very strong reputation as a hard worker and endless researcher. The biggest question for him is play calling, but Campbell even put some of those concerns to bed. For one, Morton will get the opportunity to get back into the flow of playcalling with an extra preseason game this offseason. Additionally, Campbell noted how Morton occasionally has called plays—even outside of his one-year stints as OC for the Jets way back in 2017.
“Even when he was here (in 2022), I needed—it’s third-and-12, we need a play, he’s the one who’s yelling it, ‘Here. Here you go.’ And he did that at San Fran. He’s done that everywhere he’s been, so it’ll be good,” Campbell said.
So, overall, I’m not that worried. Sure, it’s an unknown, and yes, Johnson and Glenn set high bars that will be tough to meet. However, Campbell has shown he has a knack for hiring the right people, and his influence on both sides of the ball should not be overlooked, either.