Jan 21, 2025 - Sports

Detroit Lions face offseason questions after playoff collapse

Joe Guillen

The Bears have reportedly hired Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Photo: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

Detroit's shocking 45-31 loss to the Commanders on Saturday left the Lions with major offseason questions to answer about their defense and coaching staff.

Why it matters: Detroit is already looking for a new offensive coordinator.

The Bears reached a deal to hire Ben Johnson, an architect of the team's high-flying offense, as their new head coach, the Free Press reported yesterday.

The big picture: The Lions will be a Super Bowl contender next season despite Johnson's departure and the early playoff exit.

Yes, but: There are several areas of concern the front office will likely have to address for Detroit to finally reach the mountaintop.

Defensive depth: Mobile quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and Josh Allen gave Detroit problems this season. Getting Aidan Hutchinson back will help, but the defense desperately needs more pass rushers and playmakers up front.
New coordinators: Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn gave Detroit one of the league's best coaching staffs. Glenn also is expected to be offered head coaching opportunities this offseason. Finding the right replacements will be critical.
Free agents: Several players could also leave as free agents, including cornerback Carlton Davis III, defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and Levi Onwuzurike, offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler and defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu, according to the Free Press.

The latest: Coach Dan Campbell addressed the media yesterday for the last time this season.

"We got to where we wanted to get to and then we did not perform," he said, per the Freep. "I think if we bring our B game we got a chance to win that game. And we didn't bring that."

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Detroit Lions face offseason questions after playoff collapse

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