The Detroit Lions have become one of the NFL’s top teams under head coach Dan Campbell. However, the 2025 season will test their ability to adapt, as the team is undergoing a major coaching staff overhaul. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed for the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the same role with the New York Jets.
As expected, both former coordinators are bringing familiar staff with them. Tight ends coach Steve Heiden is the latest departure, following Glenn to New York, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X. Additionally, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is a leading candidate for the Jets’ offensive coordinator position, though he has yet to be officially hired, per Pelissero.
Heiden began his coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, spending a decade with the organization before joining Detroit. After two seasons coaching the Lions’ tight ends, he will now take over as the Jets’ offensive line coach under Glenn.
Lions’ Success Prompts Coaching Staff Overhaul
Despite losing key staff members, the Lions have moved quickly to fill the vacancies. Campbell hired John Morton as offensive coordinator to replace Johnson, while linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator. Sheppard, who has spent the past three seasons in Detroit, was initially expected to join Glenn in New York but opted to stay with the Lions.
Campbell conducted an extensive search for a defensive coordinator, including an interview with Larry Foote, who has served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ inside linebackers coach and pass game coordinator since 2022. Ultimately, Detroit chose to promote from within, giving Sheppard the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Jets hired veteran coach Steve Wilks as their new defensive coordinator. Wilks, who most recently led the San Francisco 49ers’ defense to Super Bowl LVIII in 2023, was dismissed in the offseason. He brings three decades of coaching experience to New York.
Though the Lions remain confident in their Super Bowl aspirations despite the coaching exodus, their success will depend on how well the new hires perform. Given Campbell’s strong track record in assembling a staff, Detroit fans have reason to believe the team will continue competing at a high level.
