Roundtable: Response to Coordinator Appointments by Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have long been a team that fans hope will turn the corner, but consistency has been their biggest issue. The 2023-2024 season showed promise as they finally seemed to be building something that could endure. One of the critical pieces of that puzzle is the coaching staff, particularly the coordinators, whose appointments are of particular interest to Lions fans and analysts alike.

The team has seen significant changes in this department over recent seasons. This year, as with others, the Lions made strategic hires, signaling a new era and potentially a turning point in the team’s development. In this roundtable, we’ll explore the recent coordinator appointments by the Detroit Lions and what these decisions mean for the team’s future.

Part 1: The Historical Context of the Lions’ Coaching Situation

The Detroit Lions have a storied history of instability, especially when it comes to their coaching staff. They have cycled through several head coaches and coordinators over the years, with little sustained success. Historically, the Lions’ inability to find the right coaching staff has often been a key reason for their struggles.

In recent years, however, the franchise has appeared to be moving in the right direction under head coach Dan Campbell, who took the helm in 2021. Campbell’s high-energy approach and commitment to building a tough, resilient team resonated with fans, and his leadership has helped foster a more positive atmosphere in Detroit. However, like any successful coach, Campbell recognizes the importance of surrounding himself with a capable group of coordinators who can turn his vision into reality.

Part 2: The Offensive Coordinator Appointment

In the most recent offseason, one of the biggest talking points for the Lions was the appointment of an offensive coordinator. After a solid, though sometimes inconsistent, 2023 season, the Lions made the decision to elevate Ben Johnson, who had served as the team’s offensive coordinator in a more informal role the previous season. Johnson has quickly garnered attention around the NFL for his innovative, dynamic offense that seems tailor-made for today’s pass-heavy league.

Ben Johnson’s appointment reflects a shift towards a more creative, forward-thinking approach in Detroit. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, notably their high-powered passing attack, paired with a commitment to establishing a strong running game. Johnson’s ability to adapt his play calling based on the strengths of his personnel has been one of his most impressive traits. With quarterback Jared Goff having a renaissance in Detroit, Johnson has maximized Goff’s strengths while using creative play designs to keep defenses guessing.

For Lions fans, this appointment feels like a moment of optimism. Finally, it seems that the franchise has found a coach who not only knows how to develop talent but can also craft a game plan that is both balanced and explosive. If Johnson can continue to evolve the offense and make adjustments as the NFL game changes, the Lions could have one of the league’s most exciting offenses in the years to come.

Part 3: The Defensive Coordinator Appointment

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions made a crucial decision by promoting Aaron Glenn to continue his role as defensive coordinator for the 2024 season. Glenn, who has been with the Lions for several seasons, has had a somewhat up-and-down tenure, often dealing with a defense that lacked talent and depth. However, his defensive schemes have been creative and flexible, trying to compensate for personnel deficiencies while allowing young players to develop.

In 2023, there were signs of improvement. The Lions’ defense became more opportunistic, generating turnovers and making timely stops. Players like Aidan Hutchinson have thrived in Glenn’s system, and the team’s defensive line became a formidable force.

While the defense isn’t yet at the level of elite units in the NFL, Glenn’s approach seems to be one of building around strength and trying to outsmart opponents. He’s known for using a variety of blitz packages and zone coverages, which can throw quarterbacks off their rhythm. If the Lions’ front office continues to give Glenn the tools he needs, particularly through the draft and free agency, it’s possible that this unit could become a playoff-caliber defense.

Part 4: The Special Teams Coordinator Appointment

The appointment of Dave Fipp to the role of special teams coordinator is another significant piece in the puzzle for the Lions. Fipp has a long history of success, particularly with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was part of a Super Bowl-winning staff. Special teams, often the most overlooked and underappreciated phase of football, has been an area of focus for the Lions under Fipp’s leadership.

In the 2023 season, the Lions’ special teams were largely solid, with significant contributions from players like Jack Fox as the punter and Kalif Raymond as a return specialist. Fipp’s coaching has been instrumental in turning this unit from a liability into a more reliable group that can contribute to the team’s success. While not as flashy as the offense or defense, special teams are often the difference-maker in tight games, and Fipp’s ability to emphasize fundamentals and capitalize on hidden yardage opportunities could help swing momentum in Detroit’s favor.

Fipp’s extensive experience and understanding of how special teams impact a game should be invaluable for the Lions, particularly if they want to get over the hump and make a deep playoff push. Given the importance of field position and the potential for big returns, Fipp’s work in this area cannot be overstated.

Part 5: Evaluating the Lions’ Approach to Coordinator Appointments

Overall, the Detroit Lions’ approach to their coordinator appointments signals a commitment to long-term growth and stability. The hires of Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, and Dave Fipp have all been strategic, addressing specific needs while allowing room for each coordinator to implement their vision.

For offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the task is clear: continue to develop Goff and build an offense that can be both explosive and efficient. Johnson’s success will depend on his ability to maintain offensive consistency while adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL. If Johnson can keep defenses on their heels and continue maximizing the skill sets of his players, the Lions’ offense will be one of the most dangerous in the league.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn faces a more challenging task. While his defensive schemes have shown flashes of potential, the Lions’ defense has not yet been consistently elite. The key for Glenn is to continue developing young players while making the most out of the talent at his disposal. The Lions’ defense doesn’t have the same level of star power as some other teams, so it’s up to Glenn to be a master of scheme, creating confusion and putting players in positions to succeed.

As for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, his appointment is a reflection of the importance the Lions place on all aspects of the game. Fipp’s expertise could make the difference in close games, and if the Lions can continue to improve in this area, it will be just one more reason to feel optimistic about the team’s future.

Part 6: Looking Ahead – What’s Next for the Lions?

The Detroit Lions have set themselves up with a potentially exciting future, and their coordinator appointments are a big part of the puzzle. The combination of Ben Johnson’s offensive creativity, Aaron Glenn’s defensive growth potential, and Dave Fipp’s special teams acumen gives the Lions a balanced and adaptable coaching staff that should be able to handle a variety of challenges.

However, the next few seasons will be critical. The Lions’ success will hinge not only on their coordinators but on how well they address the roster needs. Whether through the draft, free agency, or internal development, the front office will need to continue providing Campbell and his coordinators with the talent they need to compete at the highest level.

One area that will likely require attention is the defensive backfield, where the Lions have shown vulnerability at times. Additionally, strengthening the depth on the defensive line and potentially adding more playmakers on offense could elevate the team’s potential to a championship level.