The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations, but cracks are already beginning to show. A closer look at the offseason reveals why fans shouldn’t be shocked by the team’s early struggles — the Lions lost a staggering amount of coaching talent and veteran leadership before Week 1 even kicked off.
Coaching Staff Overhaul Hits Hard
Few teams in recent memory have lost as many key assistants in one offseason as Detroit. In total, eight coaches from last year’s staff are now with other NFL teams:
- Ben Johnson – now head coach of the Chicago Bears
- Aaron Glenn – now head coach of the New York Jets
- Terrell Williams – defensive coordinator, New England Patriots
- Steve Hyten – offensive line coach, New York Jets
- JT Barrett – quarterbacks coach, Chicago Bears
- Antwaan Randle El – receivers coach and assistant head coach, Chicago Bears
- Tanner Engstrom – offensive coordinator, New York Jets
- Cameron Davis – assistant coach, New York Jets
That kind of turnover is almost impossible to replace overnight, and it’s already showing on the field.
Key Player Losses Compound the Problem
The Lions also suffered critical roster losses. Frank Ragnow, one of the NFL’s top centers and the team’s anchor on the offensive line, retired. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. Both players were instrumental in protecting quarterback Jared Goff and calling out blitzes.
Replacing those voices in the trenches isn’t a one-for-one switch, no matter how much talent remains on offense.
Offensive Struggles on Display
The Lions’ Week 1 loss showed how disjointed the offense looked without its former structure. Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 10 catches but for only 33 yards — the lowest yardage total ever in NFL history for a player with double-digit receptions. The stat underlined Detroit’s lack of creativity and rhythm on offense.
Despite having playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, Jameson Williams, and Penei Sewell, the unit looked flat and predictable.
Week 2: Ben Johnson Returns to Detroit
The schedule isn’t giving the Lions much breathing room. In Week 2, Ben Johnson returns to Detroit — but this time as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. One of these teams will start the season 0–2, and the matchup promises plenty of intrigue as Johnson faces his former boss, Dan Campbell.
Detroit has new coordinators in Johnny Moore (offense) and Kelvin Jumper (defense), but the pressure is already mounting. Fans want to know whether the Lions can return to their 2023 form or whether the offseason exodus has left lasting damage.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions weren’t simply outplayed in Week 1 — they looked like a team still reeling from the loss of its coaching core and veteran leadership. With eight coaches gone and multiple key linemen departed, the challenge of replicating last year’s success was always going to be steep.
Week 2 against Chicago will be an early test of whether Detroit can stabilize — or whether 2025 will be a season defined by transition.