The consequence of success is often a purge of coaching staffs, such is the case this offseason after Johnson and Glenn were hired for head coaching roles

Success in the NFL is a double-edged sword. While it brings accolades, playoff berths, and fanfare, it also attracts attention from rival franchises eager to replicate that success. For the Detroit Lions, the 2024 offseason has been a testament to this reality. After a breakout season that saw the team emerge as a legitimate contender, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both hired away for head coaching roles. Their departures mark a pivotal moment for the Lions — one that tests the organization’s ability to sustain momentum amid significant internal change.

The loss of Johnson and Glenn is not just a matter of replacing play-callers; it’s about replacing culture-setters. Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes turned Detroit into one of the most dynamic scoring units in the league. His ability to maximize quarterback play and integrate versatile weapons like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown made the Lions a nightmare for opposing defenses. On the other side of the ball, Glenn’s aggressive, player-first approach transformed a previously porous defense into a resilient, opportunistic unit. Both coordinators were instrumental in shaping the team’s identity — and their exits leave a void that cannot be filled by scheme alone.

Enter John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard, the newly appointed offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. Morton, a seasoned offensive mind with experience in both the NFL and college ranks, inherits a unit brimming with talent and confidence. His challenge will be maintaining the creative spark that Johnson ignited while putting his own stamp on the playbook. Continuity will be key, and Morton’s early comments suggest a commitment to building on the foundation already in place rather than overhauling it.

Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator is perhaps the more intriguing move. A former NFL linebacker himself, Sheppard is deeply respected within the locker room and has been credited with developing Detroit’s young defensive core. His familiarity with the personnel and existing system could ease the transition, but stepping into Glenn’s shoes will require more than just rapport — it will demand strategic acumen and the ability to adapt under pressure.

The Lions’ front office deserves credit for prioritizing internal stability. By promoting from within and selecting coordinators who align with the team’s ethos, Detroit is signaling its intent to preserve the culture that fueled its rise. Still, the NFL is unforgiving, and continuity does not guarantee success. The true test will come in moments of adversity — when the team faces a losing streak, when injuries mount, or when game plans falter. In those moments, the leadership of Morton and Sheppard will be scrutinized.

Ultimately, the purge of coaching staffs is a consequence of success — a sign that the Lions have become a model worth emulating. But sustaining that success requires more than talent; it demands resilience, adaptability, and trust in the next generation of leaders. Detroit has made its bet. Now it must prove that the machine can keep running, even with new hands at the controls.