Dan Campbell’s Staff Needs Two Coordinators: Who Could Get the Lions’ Jobs?
After a remarkable turnaround, the Detroit Lions are on the rise under head coach Dan Campbell. Despite finishing 9-8 in 2022 and missing the playoffs by a slim margin, the team showed significant growth. Their offense, led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, was especially impressive, and the defense, although inconsistent, began to show signs of improvement under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. With Johnson and Glenn’s contracts expiring after the 2023 season and reports surfacing that both coordinators could be in line for head coaching positions elsewhere, the Lions’ staff is in the market for new leadership at key positions.
Campbell’s leadership has made a substantial impact on this team. Now, with the possible departure of his coordinators, he will need to bring in new faces to fill these crucial roles. The Lions have a solid foundation to build on, particularly on offense, where quarterback Jared Goff is in a groove, and a talented group of skill players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and a resurgent backfield, make the team an attractive destination for potential candidates. On defense, the team has pieces to work with—most notably their defensive line and secondary—and a new coordinator will be tasked with helping to transform the defense into a consistent, game-changing unit.
Let’s take a closer look at who could be in line to fill the offensive and defensive coordinator positions on Dan Campbell’s staff.
Offensive Coordinator Candidates
As mentioned, Ben Johnson has done an exceptional job with the Lions’ offense. His schemes have revitalized Jared Goff’s career, and the offense ranks among the league’s best in terms of yardage and scoring. However, if Johnson leaves for a head coaching gig, the Lions will need someone capable of maintaining that offensive firepower and continuing to develop young players. Here are some names that could be a fit for the role:
1. Eric Bieniemy (Commanders Offensive Coordinator)
Eric Bieniemy has been the subject of coaching rumors for years, mostly due to his long tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy played an integral role in the Chiefs’ explosive offense, working alongside head coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In 2023, Bieniemy took a chance and joined the Washington Commanders as their offensive coordinator, attempting to prove his ability to lead an offense without the Mahomes effect.
Bieniemy is a seasoned coach with a deep understanding of how to build an offense around a talented quarterback, which could mesh well with Jared Goff’s skill set. His zone-blocking schemes and emphasis on quick, short passes could align with Detroit’s personnel, especially with the Lions’ wealth of talent in the receiving corps. Bieniemy’s experience working with elite talent like Mahomes also positions him as someone capable of taking Detroit’s offense to the next level.
2. Shane Steichen (Colts Head Coach)
Shane Steichen is already a head coach now, but it’s worth considering how well his principles as an offensive coordinator would fit in Detroit. Steichen made his name with the Philadelphia Eagles, crafting an innovative, run-heavy offense that utilized Jalen Hurts’ mobility and a balanced attack. Under Steichen, the Eagles became one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, and Steichen’s ability to mold an offense around his quarterback’s strengths—particularly a mobile QB—helped propel Philadelphia to the Super Bowl in 2023.
Detroit’s offense may not be based around a dual-threat QB like Hurts, but Steichen’s ability to adapt to different skill sets would bode well for Jared Goff. His use of motion, play-action, and designing creative run-pass options could create mismatches for opposing defenses. It’s unlikely that Steichen would leave his head coach position in Indianapolis, but he would certainly be a candidate if the situation changed.
3. Mike McDaniel (Dolphins Head Coach)
While Mike McDaniel is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, his time as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator should be studied by the Lions. McDaniel helped design an offense that took full advantage of a diverse skill set, combining the run game with an effective passing game. His zone running schemes and ability to scheme players open with motion could work wonders in Detroit. Though McDaniel’s hiring as a head coach might make this scenario unlikely, his success in Miami has earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL.
4. Brian Johnson (Eagles Offensive Coordinator)
Brian Johnson is another potential candidate who has already demonstrated his ability to operate an offense at the highest level. Johnson, who took over as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator after Steichen’s departure, was previously the quarterbacks coach for the team and worked with Jalen Hurts during his development. Johnson is known for his work with mobile quarterbacks, and he’s demonstrated a strong grasp of offensive scheming, balancing the run and pass games in an effective and unpredictable manner.
Johnson’s familiarity with the NFC and his demonstrated ability to maximize the potential of young quarterbacks would make him an excellent option for the Lions’ offense. Furthermore, his experience in helping Hurts develop into an MVP-caliber player would be valuable for Detroit as they continue to develop Goff and build their offensive philosophy around him.
5. Kellen Moore (Chargers Offensive Coordinator)
Kellen Moore spent several years as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, where he consistently produced top-tier offenses. His ability to maximize Dak Prescott’s potential and create dynamic passing attacks has made Moore one of the most sought-after coordinators in the NFL. After leaving Dallas, Moore joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 as their offensive coordinator, where he has been tasked with building around quarterback Justin Herbert.
Moore’s play-calling has always been aggressive and pass-heavy, and while the Lions might not replicate the Chargers’ vertical passing game, Moore’s ability to adjust and innovate within the modern NFL offense would fit well with the talent Detroit has. His experience in a high-powered passing attack could elevate the Lions’ offense to another level.
Defensive Coordinator Candidates
While the Lions’ offense has received much of the attention under Campbell’s tenure, the defense has been the unit that requires the most attention. Aaron Glenn has had his struggles, particularly in the secondary and with the pass rush, but he has also helped develop young talents like Aidan Hutchinson. If Glenn were to leave for another opportunity, Dan Campbell would need a defensive coordinator who can take this group to the next level.
1. Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs Defensive Coordinator)
Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses are always tough and opportunistic, which is why he has remained a trusted coordinator for several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs. Spagnuolo has been known for his aggressive blitz packages, ability to adjust to different offenses, and his ability to coach defensive backs. He played a key role in helping Kansas City become a dominant defensive unit, especially in high-leverage moments such as the playoffs.
The Lions have a solid pass rush with Aidan Hutchinson, and Spagnuolo’s schemes could help maximize his potential while also finding ways to improve Detroit’s coverage. Spagnuolo’s experience with building defenses around high-caliber players and his ability to adjust to different offensive schemes would make him a strong candidate for the job.
2. Matt Eberflus (Bears Head Coach)
Although Eberflus is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, his defensive philosophy could be appealing for the Lions. Before becoming a head coach, Eberflus made his name as a defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts. His emphasis on creating turnovers and focusing on disciplined play is something that would mesh well with Detroit’s defense. Eberflus also helped develop young talent in Indianapolis, something that would be beneficial to a Lions team with a lot of young defensive players.
While it’s unlikely Eberflus would leave Chicago, his approach to developing an aggressive, attacking defense would be something Campbell could find useful, especially in a division like the NFC North.
3. Vance Joseph (Cardinals Defensive Coordinator)
Vance Joseph has long been regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the NFL, and his experience in both player development and schematic innovation could be just what the Lions need. Joseph has worked as a defensive coordinator in multiple locations, including Denver and Arizona, and has shown an ability to adapt to different systems and personnel.
Joseph is known for his aggressive blitzing and his ability to develop strong secondaries. His experience in running zone coverage and designing creative schemes around his defensive line could help Detroit get the most out of its talent, particularly with young players like Hutchinson, James Houston, and others. His emphasis on pressure and forcing turnovers would align well with Campbell’s philosophy of playing aggressive football.
4. Don “Wink” Martindale (Giants Defensive Coordinator)
Don Martindale has built a reputation for his aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive schemes. He has been the architect of the New York Giants’ defense under Brian Daboll, helping to turn around a unit that was once a liability into one that makes plays. Martindale loves to send pressure from all angles, utilizing both his defensive backs and linebackers in unconventional ways.
Given Detroit’s young defensive talent, Martindale’s experience in creating chaos and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks would be a great fit. The Lions are still looking for an identity on defense, and Martindale’s aggressive philosophy could help establish a physical, hard-hitting style that would resonate with Campbell’s overall approach.
