5 Toughest Questions Facing the Detroit Lions’ New Coordinators
The Detroit Lions are entering a crucial phase in their rebuilding process, with several key changes being made to their coaching staff. With the arrival of new coordinators on both sides of the ball, the franchise faces significant pressure to live up to heightened expectations in 2025. These new coordinators are tasked with managing high expectations while navigating challenges that come with inheriting teams that have shown promise, yet still need critical adjustments to break through into playoff contention.
In this article, we will explore the five toughest questions that the Lions’ new coordinators—offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator—must answer.
1. How Do You Maximize Jared Goff’s Potential in 2025 and Beyond?
The Detroit Lions’ offense took a significant leap forward in 2023, with quarterback Jared Goff playing the best football of his career. After his trade to Detroit from Los Angeles, Goff showed signs of redemption, finishing in the top 10 for passing yards and touchdowns. In 2024, Goff’s performance was key to the Lions’ rise as one of the NFL’s top offenses.
However, there are questions about whether Goff’s high level of play can be sustained and what role the new offensive coordinator will play in maximizing his potential. Goff will turn 30 during the 2025 season, and while he is in the prime of his career, it’s important to address how the offense can continue to evolve.
Key questions the new offensive coordinator must consider include:
- How do you balance the passing game with a strong running attack to keep defenses guessing?
- How do you continue developing Goff’s decision-making in high-pressure situations, particularly in late-game scenarios?
- Can Goff’s success be replicated in the postseason, where his performance has been inconsistent?
The Lions’ new offensive coordinator must design a scheme that capitalizes on Goff’s strengths, like his ability to manage the game and distribute the ball to playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, while also finding ways to expand his skillset to remain competitive in the NFC.
2. How Will You Revamp the Detroit Defense to Compete at a Higher Level?
For as much improvement as the Lions’ offense has seen in recent years, the defense has been inconsistent. While the Lions’ defensive unit showed flashes of promise, it was also plagued by inconsistency in 2024, especially in terms of pass rush and secondary play. The defense finished near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed and surrendered too many big plays.
The new defensive coordinator faces the challenge of taking a unit with potential and turning it into a true competitive force. This is no small feat, as the NFC North features tough offensive teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, both of which have dynamic quarterbacks.
Key questions the new defensive coordinator must address include:
- How can you effectively rush the quarterback with a mix of blitzes and front-four pressure, especially if the Lions lack a dominant edge rusher?
- Can the secondary step up, particularly in tight man-to-man coverage situations? Is a change in philosophy necessary, or is player development the key?
- How do you adjust to matchups against dynamic offenses that utilize quick passing games and motion to disrupt the defense’s rhythm?
Improving the defense will require creative solutions, whether that involves adopting a more aggressive philosophy, adjusting to the strength of the current roster, or potentially targeting new players in free agency or the draft. However, finding the right balance between aggression and discipline will be critical for the Lions’ defense to succeed.
3. What Is the Plan for Developing Young Talent on Both Sides of the Ball?
The Lions have assembled a young core of players who are expected to become the foundation of the team moving forward. This includes promising rookies, young veterans, and key contributors who are still in the early stages of their careers. The challenge for the new coordinators is how to bring these players along and ensure that their development accelerates over the next few years.
On offense, players like Jameson Williams, a talented wide receiver, need to continue developing to help form a potent playmaking trio alongside St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta. The running back group, led by Jahmyr Gibbs, offers promise for years to come, but the offensive coordinator must balance getting them involved while not overloading their growth too soon.
On defense, the Lions have invested in the defensive line, with Aidan Hutchinson being the centerpiece. While Hutchinson has shown flashes of greatness, it will be up to the new defensive coordinator to continue developing him into an elite pass rusher and defensive leader. There’s also a need to strengthen the secondary, with young players like Kirby Joseph and Brian Branch looking to develop into starters.
Key questions here include:
- How can you balance the development of younger players with immediate performance demands?
- What kind of mentorship or leadership should be provided to develop players like Hutchinson or Williams into Pro Bowl-level talents?
- How do you handle rookies and second-year players, getting them enough experience without rushing them into situations they’re not prepared for?
The success of these young players will play a large role in the Lions’ future success, making the development of their skills a critical part of the coordinators’ responsibilities.
4. How Will You Adjust the Offensive and Defensive Systems to Keep Up with Evolving NFL Trends?
The NFL is an ever-changing league, with trends shifting constantly, especially with the rise of analytics and innovative coaching strategies. The new Lions coordinators must be prepared to evolve their systems to keep up with changes, whether it’s in terms of offensive schemes or defensive alignments.
On offense, the increasing popularity of spread offenses, RPO (Run-Pass Option) systems, and quick passing games requires offensive coordinators to be adaptable. Goff’s skill set fits into a traditional West Coast-style system, but can the Lions’ offensive scheme evolve into something more dynamic, perhaps leaning into more motion or creating mismatches using tight ends and running backs?
On defense, the shift toward fast-paced, pass-heavy offenses presents its own challenge. Defenses are being asked to find ways to rush the passer more effectively, cover receivers with speed and agility, and maintain discipline against mobile quarterbacks. The Lions’ defense needs to adjust to face these high-octane offenses in the NFC, particularly with teams like the Vikings and Lions’ division rivals that employ high-speed, high-motion offenses.
Key questions to consider are:
- How can the offensive system evolve to remain unpredictable while still maximizing Goff’s strengths?
- What defensive schemes will be most effective against the top quarterbacks in the NFC, particularly those who thrive in up-tempo offenses?
- Are there opportunities to bring in new technology or analytics to better prepare both sides of the ball for the future of the league?
The Lions’ ability to adjust their strategies and remain ahead of the curve could determine their ability to contend with some of the league’s most high-powered teams in the years to come.
5. How Do You Manage Expectations After a Successful 2024 Season?
After the Detroit Lions showed significant improvement and competitiveness in 2024, expectations are higher than ever. For the first time in years, the Lions are seen as a team that could legitimately contend in the NFC North and make a playoff push. As a result, the new coordinators face the tough task of managing this heightened pressure.
A question the coordinators must answer is how they can handle the expectations of their players, the front office, and the fanbase while continuing to build upon their progress. Success in the NFL is not always linear, and it’s important not to expect immediate perfection, especially with young players and an evolving scheme.
Some questions to consider are:
- How can you ensure that players do not get complacent after a successful season?
- What can be done to maintain chemistry and motivation as the team transitions into a higher expectation environment?
- How do you handle adversity and setbacks while maintaining a competitive mindset throughout the season?
With increased scrutiny comes increased pressure, and balancing the need to meet expectations with realistic progress will be a major challenge for the new coordinators.
