The Detroit Lions are coming off of their first home playoff win in 32 years. After that emotional game vs. the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions now have to get ready for another home playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Detroit is facing numerous distractions from other teams going into this game. That is because all of these teams seem to want to hire their coordinators as their next head coach.
Detroit Lions’ Coordinators Getting Head Coach Interviews
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network laid out all of the interviews both coordinators have planned before the divisional round game against the Buccaneers. This involves offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
So, which teams want the services of each of these coaches? For starters, Johnson has interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Chargers. Glenn has an interview with the Chargers as well as the Washington Commanders.
The Qualifications
Johnson has been coaching since 2011. He made his NFL coaching debut with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 and held various titles with the team until the end of the 2018 season. After that, Johnson went to the Lions in 2019 and was eventually promoted to the offensive coordinator role in 2022. It led to the Lions ranking fifth in points per game (27.1) and third in total yards per game (394.8) this season.
Aaron Glenn has been coaching since 2014. After spending two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he spent the next five seasons with the New Orleans Saints as the defensive backs coach. He has been the Lions’ defensive coordinator since 2021.
Will This Become a Distraction?
Lions fans may be concerned about this becoming a distraction before one of the most important games for the franchise in over 30 years. While it is something that may be on the minds of both men, Detroit should not be overly concerned about this.
Let’s use the Philadelphia Eagles as an example. Last season, both of their coordinators were two of the top candidates for head coaching positions on other teams. Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon eventually went to the Arizona Cardinals and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen went to the Indianapolis Colts.
So, why am I bringing this example up? Despite both coordinators leaving for other positions, the Eagles still managed to win the NFC Championship and make a Super Bowl appearance last season. In other words, it is possible to do both. However, the Lions will try to take that a step further and attempt to win their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
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