The Detroit Lions Coordinator: The Next Head Coach Hired by an AFC Team?

The NFL coaching landscape is dynamic and ever-changing. As the league progresses, coordinators from successful franchises are often among the top candidates for head coaching vacancies. For several seasons, the Detroit Lions have been a team on the rise, with an exciting new identity and a revitalized culture under head coach Dan Campbell. As a result, some of the Lions’ assistant coaches—particularly their coordinators—have gained increasing attention as potential future head coaches in the NFL.

In particular, one of these coordinators may soon find themselves as the head coach of a team in the AFC, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter in the Lions’ journey and the broader NFL coaching carousel. The implications of this transition would not only mark a milestone for the Detroit Lions organization but also offer new opportunities for an AFC team looking to rebuild, innovate, or further enhance their roster.

In this article, we’ll examine the various coordinators from the Detroit Lions staff who are viewed as likely candidates for head coaching positions, analyze the dynamics of such a hiring process, and explore how this decision could impact the future of the AFC team involved.

The Rise of the Detroit Lions Under Dan Campbell

To fully appreciate the significance of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff, it’s essential to understand the context of the team’s rise under head coach Dan Campbell. When Campbell was hired in 2021, his leadership style and vision were met with mixed reactions. His emotional speeches, raw intensity, and blue-collar mentality were a departure from the more buttoned-up coaching style of his predecessors. However, over time, Campbell’s culture-building approach began to pay dividends.

The Lions began to show signs of becoming a formidable team under Campbell, especially in terms of toughness, resilience, and offensive innovation. Campbell was known for empowering his assistants and creating a collaborative environment where coaches were encouraged to bring their best ideas to the table. This philosophy led to an uptick in the development of players and a rejuvenated team identity.

The success of the Lions during Campbell’s tenure was largely driven by the performance of the offense and defense—both of which benefited from strong coordinators. As a result, several key assistants on Campbell’s staff have started to emerge as strong candidates for head coaching roles in the league.

The Coordinators Under Dan Campbell: Candidates for the Next Head Coach in the AFC?

Let’s explore the two primary coordinators under Dan Campbell who could very well find themselves as head coaches of AFC teams in the near future.

1. Ben Johnson – Offensive Coordinator

Ben Johnson is arguably the brightest coaching star to emerge from the Lions’ staff. Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022 after spending several seasons as an assistant coach with the team. His rapid ascension within the ranks of the Lions organization reflects his ability to design a potent offense and his deep understanding of the game.

Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense became one of the most dynamic in the NFL. In 2023, the Lions ranked among the top teams in scoring, yards per game, and offensive efficiency. Johnson’s offense is built on a modern, innovative approach, emphasizing creativity, motion, and balance. Johnson has been particularly adept at utilizing quarterback Jared Goff to his fullest potential, incorporating play-action passes, quick throws, and downfield shots into the game plan.

Johnson’s ability to work with a variety of quarterbacks and offensive playmakers could make him a highly attractive candidate for an AFC team seeking a new head coach. Whether a team is looking to revitalize its offense or build a new identity around a young quarterback, Johnson’s track record of success in Detroit positions him as one of the top offensive-minded head coaching candidates in the league.

2. Aaron Glenn – Defensive Coordinator

Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, has also received praise for his ability to develop a competitive and opportunistic defense. Glenn, a former NFL cornerback, has an innate understanding of the defensive side of the ball and a passion for player development.

Under Glenn’s watch, the Lions’ defense improved significantly. While the defense had its ups and downs, Glenn’s unit was able to generate pressure, create turnovers, and develop young players. Notably, Glenn has worked closely with the Lions’ secondary, including players like cornerback Amani Oruwariye and safety Kerby Joseph. Glenn has shown a knack for utilizing versatile defenders and devising schemes that capitalize on the strengths of his personnel.

Glenn’s background as a former player gives him an edge in understanding the mentality and needs of players, which could be invaluable in a head coaching role. Teams in the AFC with defensive concerns or those seeking to improve their defensive culture might look to Glenn to lead their defensive rebuild and offer a fresh perspective on the league’s defensive evolution.

AFC Teams With Head Coaching Vacancies

As the NFL coaching carousel heats up each year, a number of AFC teams typically find themselves searching for new leadership. The decision to hire a head coach involves many factors, including the team’s current roster, their future prospects, and the direction they want to take as an organization.

The hiring of a coordinator from a team like the Detroit Lions could make sense for several reasons. The AFC has a mix of teams with varied needs, ranging from young franchises looking to establish their identity to veteran teams seeking a new direction.

Let’s look at a few AFC teams that could be prime candidates for hiring a Detroit Lions coordinator as their next head coach:

1. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have been in transition since the departure of Frank Reich. The Colts have a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson who is seen as the future of the franchise, but the team has struggled to establish consistency in recent seasons. With a strong defense but inconsistent offensive play, the Colts could benefit from an innovative offensive mind like Ben Johnson. Johnson could help develop Richardson and mold the offense around his strengths, providing a much-needed boost to the Colts’ attack.

2. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos, under new ownership, have been searching for stability at the head coaching position since the departure of Vic Fangio. Despite having talent on both sides of the ball, the Broncos have not been able to capitalize on their roster’s potential. A coach like Ben Johnson could provide the offensive innovation that has been sorely lacking in Denver, while Aaron Glenn could offer a defensive-minded approach to strengthen a unit that has shown flashes of dominance but needs a more consistent identity.

3. Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are another AFC team looking for a fresh start. With a quarterback in Derek Carr (or potentially a new face under center), the Raiders could benefit from an offensive-minded coach who can reinvigorate the offense and build a balanced, dynamic attack. Ben Johnson’s experience could appeal to the Raiders’ front office, especially given the importance of making their offense more explosive and competitive within the AFC West.

4. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans, under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, have already made significant progress on the defensive side of the ball, but the offense has been inconsistent. Johnson’s ability to scheme up creative and high-powered offenses could be just what the Texans need to complete their rebuild. The presence of a strong young quarterback in C.J. Stroud also makes Houston an attractive destination for a coach with a proven track record of working with quarterbacks.

The Impact of Hiring a Detroit Lions Coordinator

The hiring of a Detroit Lions coordinator, whether it be Ben Johnson or Aaron Glenn, would not only affect the future of the AFC team but also mark a significant moment for the Lions franchise. Losing one of their top coordinators would mean the Lions would need to find replacements for key positions that have helped them achieve success.

On the other hand, for the AFC team that hires one of the Lions’ coordinators, the benefits could be immense. Both Johnson and Glenn offer qualities that could immediately transform a team, whether it’s revitalizing a lackluster offense or rebuilding a defensive unit in need of guidance and development. Their experience in Detroit—working under Dan Campbell’s leadership and fostering a culture of accountability—would also bring a winning mentality to their new role as head coach.

Conclusion

The Detroit Lions’ coordinators, particularly Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, are on the radar of several AFC teams looking for fresh leadership. The hiring of one of these talented coaches would be a natural next step for an AFC team seeking to retool or build on their existing talent. Whether it’s Johnson’s offensive ingenuity or Glenn’s defensive acumen, both coordinators have the potential to step into a head coaching role and make an immediate impact.