Lions’ Coaches Packing Their Bags: Mass Departure Set to Happen This Offseason
The Detroit Lions may have to rebuild their coaching staff after the playoffs.
Following a 15-2 season, Detroit’s coordinators are two of the NFL’s hottest head coaching candidates Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn each have multiple interviews lined up during the Lions’ first-round bye.
Another coach is also exploring a promotion with an NFC rival. On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers announced that they interviewed Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their defensive coordinator position.
A former cornerback, Townsend collected 21 interceptions and two Super Bowl rings during his 13-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. He began coaching as the Arizona Cardinals’ assistant defensive backs coach in 2011 before assisting college cornerbacks at Mississippi State.
Townsend worked for the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2023 before joining Dan Campbell’s staff this season. He helped the Lions allow the league’s third-fewest passing yards (4,148) and an NFL-low 82.0 opposing passer rating. Detroit allowed 18 passing touchdowns while amassing 16 interceptions.
The 49ers are seeking their fourth different defensive coordinator in as many years. After the Houston Texans made DeMeco Ryans their head coach, the 49ers hired Steve Wilks in 2023. They replaced him with Nick Sorensen a year later despite reaching the Super Bowl.
On Tuesday, the 49ers demoted Sorensen to an unspecified role. They ranked eighth in yards allowed for the second straight year but plummeted from third to 29th in scoring defense.
San Francisco could turn to a familiar man for the job. The 49ers also interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh for the defensive coordinator position he held from 2017 to 2020.
Meanwhile, there’s a good chance the Lions need a new offensive and defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Glenn will interview for five head coaching vacancies despite rejecting the New England Patriots’ request. He bolstered an impressive resume by leading an injury-plagued unit to a 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings to clinch the NFC North and No. 1 seed.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Johnson has four interviews scheduled on Friday and Saturday. Detroit has finished each of his three seasons as offensive coordinator in the top five of scoring and total offense.
