Lions Face Setbacks as Offseason Begins
This isn’t just another offseason for the Detroit Lions—it’s one of the most pivotal in franchise history. While much of the team’s core remains intact, the coaching staff is undergoing a significant transformation. How these changes unfold by September will be crucial for the team’s continued success.
Unfortunately, the Lions have been hit with a wave of departures, with key personnel leaving for other opportunities. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has taken the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now leading the New York Jets. Now, another key figure from the front office is moving on.
Another Departure for Detroit
On Friday, February 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Detroit Lions’ director of scouting advancement, Mike Martin, is leaving to become Notre Dame’s new general manager.
The role of a general manager is relatively new in college football, emerging as NIL deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the landscape. It’s an increasingly important position, and Martin’s hiring reflects Notre Dame’s commitment to an NFL-style approach.
“Notre Dame is finalizing a deal to hire Detroit Lions Director of Scouting Advancement Mike Martin as the school’s new general manager, per source,” Schefter announced on X. He noted that “Martin was part of Detroit’s initial front office staff that helped rebuild the Lions’ roster. Now Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman is pulling Martin away from Detroit to bring an NFL model to South Bend.”
Losing a key figure who played a role in the team’s resurgence is undoubtedly a blow. However, general manager Brad Holmes remains at the helm, providing stability amid the changes.
Joshua Vowles of One Foot Down weighed in on Notre Dame’s expected hiring, writing on February 15, “I will say that I think this is a much different direction than keeping Chad Bowden on staff or even hiring James Blanchard.”
“As we all read between the lines a little bit,” he continued, “it sounds like Notre Dame will have the GM position but definitely be supplementing the position with more people to provide better scouting and player development.”
Martin, who joined the Lions in 2021 as one of Holmes’ early hires, played a vital role in scouting and evaluating talent. His experience also includes stints with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.
Signs of Stability Amid Changes
Not everyone is leaving. After Glenn departed for New York, Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator.
Sheppard recently confirmed that he had other opportunities but chose to stay in Detroit. Speaking with Dan Miller of Fox 2, he explained that loyalty to head coach Dan Campbell played a major role in his decision.
“The reason I chose to stay here over other opportunities is the trust and support I have from Dan,” Sheppard said. “It would have been almost impossible to take another job, no matter what.”
He added that he owes “a lot to Dan” and emphasized that the most important factor was “the belief system he’s had in me since day one when I met him in 2014 as a player, and that’s carried over into my coaching career.”
