2025 Coaching staff?

[RedRamage]

Historically about this time of year is when we start looking at the draft, but we can't do that this year. Next add in such a lopsided game that there's virtually nothing negative to talk about... so what are we to discuss for the next week? Well, why not who our OC and DC are going to be next year?

I best option is that it's Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn... but I think it's very likely we'll need to replace one and I I'd say there's probably a 40% chance we'll need to replace both. So, if we assume they're both gone... who do we get as replacements? Do we look outside of the org or do we look at promoting within?

On the offensive side of the ball I think the likely promotion from within guys are Mark Brunell and maybe Scottie Montgomery. Scottie has HC and OC history in college and he's currently listed as Assistant HC/RB coach, but Brunell has been here longer and has a relationship with Goff of course.

Defensively there's been some talk about Kelvin Sheppard being the guy most likely to get the nod. Sheppard has very little experience though. He was director of players development at LSU for one year, then became linebackers coach for the Lions in 2021. I don't know if there are any others on the defense that are decent candidates.

[Motown Bombers]

Offensive coordinator would likely be Tanner Engstrand. Defensive coordinator either Kelvin Sheppard or Terrell Williams. If Zac Taylor gets fired from the Bengals, I would consider him for offensive coordinator. He was the QB coach for the Rams up through 2018. When he left was when Goff went downhill. I would be fine reuniting them. 

[Motor City Sonics]

Who cares right now.   I just want to surf this wave all the way to the beautiful Super Bowl shores.  

[Mr.TaterSalad]

If Kevin Stefanski and his staff get fired in Cleveland would there be any interest in bringing back Jim Schwartz as the DC assuming Glenn gets a HC job somewhere?

Edited November 18 by Mr.TaterSalad

[Motor City Sonics]

4 minutes ago, Mr.TaterSalad said:

If Kevin Stefanski and his staff get fired in Cleveland would there be any interest in bringing back Jim Schwartz as the DC assuming Glenn gets a HC job somewhere?

I don't think any coach comes back to be lesser than they were the first time, but I do think Jim Schwartz burned a bridge here when he let his players carry him off the field after Buffalo beat the Lions. 

[Motown Bombers]

5 minutes ago, Motor City Sonics said:

I don't think any coach comes back to be lesser than they were the first time, but I do think Jim Schwartz burned a bridge here when he let his players carry him off the field after Buffalo beat the Lions. 

Vance Joseph returned to Denver as defensive coordinator. I would still promote within. 

[RandyMarsh]

I'm still not convinced Ben Johnson is leaving. Idk I'm probably reading too much into things but just going by his demeanor and the fact he has turned down jobs the past 2 off-seasons make me think that he may be fine staying in his spot, especially if we give him a raise. 

The fact is not everybody is cut out or desires to be the Captain of the ship, maybe Johnson is one of those guys. 

 

[Motown Bombers]

Ben Johnson does not give me leader of men vibes. He reminds me of Brandon Staley. Aaron Glenn is a leader of men type. Also have to consider that if either of these guys get hired, they are likely taking a coach or two with them. 

[RatkoVarda]

6 minutes ago, RandyMarsh said:

The fact is not everybody is cut out or desires to be the Captain of the ship, maybe Johnson is one of those guys.

even if he is comfortable (and well paid) as Campbell's #2, some owner is going to throw 50M+ at him but I agree with this

4 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Ben Johnson does not give me leader of men vibes

 

[RedRamage]

59 minutes ago, Mr.TaterSalad said:

If Kevin Stefanski and his staff get fired in Cleveland would there be any interest in bringing back Jim Schwartz as the DC assuming Glenn gets a HC job somewhere?

I can't see Schwartz and Campbell being compatible unless Schwartz has changed a lot. Don't get me wrong, I think Schwartz has done a good job as a DC and certainly has skills there, but I don't see his style as being on that would mesh with Campbell.

[RedRamage]

45 minutes ago, RandyMarsh said:

I'm still not convinced Ben Johnson is leaving. Idk I'm probably reading too much into things but just going by his demeanor and the fact he has turned down jobs the past 2 off-seasons make me think that he may be fine staying in his spot, especially if we give him a raise. 

The fact is not everybody is cut out or desires to be the Captain of the ship, maybe Johnson is one of those guys. 

And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. If Johnson is happy where he is then I'm all for it. I had a similar thing myself earlier in my life where the head of my operation retired some people were wondering if I was going to go for that spot, but I didn't want it. Sure the added pay would've been nice but the skill set that that position needed was NOT my skill set and I would have been unhappy and would have struggled massively in that role. So if that's what Johnson is doing... I'm 100% fine with that. 

That said, I don't think that's what's going on. I think Ben is waiting for the right situation for him. I think it's possible that he may have said no initially because he wanted more experience, but he's at the top of his game right now. I don't think there's a person around right now that doesn't figure the Lions are the favorite to get to the SB in the NFC (obviously don't mean it will happen, but they are the leaders). He's got nothing more to prove. So if he finds the right situation... the right owner, the right GM, the right roster... I think he'll jump.

[RedRamage]

48 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

Ben Johnson does not give me leader of men vibes.

It's very hard to say... He certainly doesn't have the same aura as Glenn or Campbell from what we see as fans. I'd be curious what the players say about him.

[lordstanley]

Slightly off topic, but speaking of coaches, seems like Jesse Minter has done a great job with Harbaugh with the Chargers. The Chargers are comfortably in a playoff spot after going 5-12 last year.

[Motor City Sonics]

2 hours ago, Motown Bombers said:

Vance Joseph returned to Denver as defensive coordinator. I would still promote within. 

But did Vance have that anger thing that Schwartz has always had? 

[CMRivdogs]

6 hours ago, RandyMarsh said:

I'm still not convinced Ben Johnson is leaving. Idk I'm probably reading too much into things but just going by his demeanor and the fact he has turned down jobs the past 2 off-seasons make me think that he may be fine staying in his spot, especially if we give him a raise. 

The fact is not everybody is cut out or desires to be the Captain of the ship, maybe Johnson is one of those guys. 

 

There were rumors floating around that Johnson wanted the Bears job if it opened. 

[RedRamage]

I heard those rumors too... but I dunno. Obviously I'm not privy to any back of the house conversations or general knowledge but I feel like the Bears are not a solid organization. I don't think Poles is generally regarded as that great of a GM.

Now, obviously "not a solid organization" would be putting it mildly if you were describing the Lions prior to 2020 so yeah, a lot of change in a few years. Maybe Williams is all he cracked up to be and 'Flos is what's keeping him from success. It's not the franchise I would pick to go to.