One of the exciting times within the NFL season is the head coaching cycle. It’s a time for coordinators to go for head coaching spots and a chance for position coaches to become coordinators. However, one of the down parts about being a fantastic team is that your coordinators are more than likely to leave. We just saw it with the Detroit Lions, who lost Ben Johnson to the NFC North rival Chicago Bears, and Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets.

 

The Buffalo Bills were starting to get close to losing offensive coordinator Joe Brady, up until it was reported that he withdrew himself from the New Orleans Saints’ process to stay in Buffalo. However, not every team is so lucky like the Bills.

 

The Lions are going under a brand new revamp of their coaching staff. They lost both of their coordinators, as well as their defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the New England Patriots. Even though they have lost a great amount of coaching, they promoting within, and it involves a former player of the Bills. With the Lions losing Glenn to the Jets, they have decided to promote Kelvin Sheppard to run the defense from his LBs coach position, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

 

Lions promote former Bills linebacker Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator

The Bills drafted Sheppard in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of LSU. In two short seasons with the Bills, Sheppard recorded 150 total tackles and two sacks. Prior to the 2013 season, the Bills traded Sheppard to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive end Jerry Hughes. The Bills clearly won that trade as Hughes went on to become a defensive leader for the Bills while Sheppard lasted just one season with the Colts.

 

Before his playing days ended, Sheppard also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and the Detroit Lions.

 

Sheppard was hired by the Lions to help with the linebackers in 2021 and the fact that he has been promoted to the defensive coordinator position just shows how well he is trusted by Dan Campbell. The Lions are going into a big change on their coaching staff and seeing a former Bill work his way up to coordinator status is awesome to see.

Despite a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders last week, the Detroit Lions had some positive moments. In the first half, the Lions kept things competitive in a back-and-forth start to the NFC divisional-round matchup.

For instance, wide receiver Jameson Williams made a big play in the second quarter when he took an end around for a 61-yard rushing touchdown. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs received the handoff from Teddy Bridgewater, who briefly replaced an injured Jared Goff. Gibbs then pitched to Williams, who had several blockers in front of him on the spectacular play.

The 23-year-old speedster cut against the grain, celebrating as he reached the 15-yard line, easily scoring to narrow Washington’s lead to 24-21.

However, Williams was fined $25,325 for unsportsmanlike conduct after celebrating the touchdown with “obscene gestures,” according to the NFL.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver had little impact on the rest of the game, finishing with just one reception for 19 yards in the defeat.

The Lions had more first downs (30 to 27) and total yards (521 to 481) but struggled with turnovers, committing five (four interceptions and one lost fumble) while Washington had none. The Commanders also scored touchdowns on all four of their red zone trips, while the Lions only scored three times on six red zone visits.

Washington will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

 

The driving force behind Detroit’s 2024 offense record-breaking performance was the offensive line. The Lions joined the 2000 Rams as the only NFL teams to record a season with at least 35 passing touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns, and they topped the league in both points scored (33.2) and touchdowns (70).

Detroit had four players with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards: running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Without outstanding offensive line play, that is not feasible.

Tim Twentyman’s news The Daily Drive: Going Beyond Podcasts and Press Releases Sign Up for Community Emails and SMS Holmes always prioritizes keeping a solid offensive line.

January 25, 2025, 7:00 a.m. Picture of the Author Tim Twentyman, an experienced writer The driving force behind Detroit’s 2024 offense record-breaking performance was the offensive line. The Lions joined the 2000 Rams as the only NFL teams to record a season with at least 35 passing touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns, and they topped the league in both points scored (33.2) and touchdowns (70).

Detroit had four players with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards: running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Without a great offensive, that is not conceivable.

Logo of the Detroit Lions Lions Shop Season Tickets Every News Tim Twentyman The Daily Drive: Going Beyond Podcasts and Press Releases Sign Up for Community Emails and SMS Holmes always prioritizes keeping a solid offensive line. January 25, 2025, 7:00 a.m.

Picture of the Author Tim Twentyman, an experienced writer The driving force behind Detroit’s 2024 offense record-breaking performance was the offensive line.

The Lions joined the 2000 Rams as the only NFL teams to record a season with at least 35 passing touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns, and they topped the league in both points scored (33.2) and touchdowns (70). At least 1,000 players played for Detroit, including running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Without a doubt, Holmes views maintaining their high level of play up front and possibly even figuring out methods to make it even better this offseason as a top objective. “And so, I don’t care how good we ever get on the offensive line, that one right there is too important for not only our team, our quarterback, everything, it’s our identity, man,” stated the quarterback. “So, I think just that alone is just – it’s always going to be at the forefront.”

 

 

 

Former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm has signed a reserve/futures contract with the Detroit Lions. Fromm spent the 2024 NFL season on the Lions’ practice squad.

 

Fromm and the Lions finished the 2024 NFL regular season with the best record in the NFC. The Lions lost to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round and are eliminated from the playoffs.

 

Detroit still has a promising future. The Lions have starting quarterback Jared Goff under contract for the 2025 NFL season. Detroit also returns quarterback Hendon Hooker, but back up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is slated to be a free agent this offseason.

 

Fromm will compete to be the Lions’ back up quarterback. The former UGA quarterback previously played with the Washington Commanders before they released Fromm in May 2024.

 

The Buffalo Bills drafted Fromm in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft, but Fromm just spent one year in Buffalo as the Bills released Fromm ahead of the 2021 season.

 

Fromm ended up spending the 2021 season with the New York Giants and he started a couple of games for New York in 2021. Fromm posted modest numbers with the Giants. Following his time with the Giants, Fromm spent the majority of his time on Washington’s practice squad from 2022-2024.

 

 

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Dan Campbell spoke Monday morning in Allen Park at his news conference for the final time of the season, after the Detroit Lions squandered homefield advantage Saturday night in the NFC playoffs in an upset 45-31 divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

“We got to where we wanted to get to and then we did not perform,” Campbell said. “Credit Washington, they did what they needed to do and they played a good game.

But a little bit for us, when you feel like, ‘hey you gotta bring your A game,’ I think if we bring our B game we got a chance to win that game. And we didn’t bring that.” More: Mitch Albom: A letter to the Football God

After a franchise-best 15-2 regular season ended in a huge letdown that left fans in shock, Campbell added that he has experienced a range of emotions, from rage to feeling like he lost a family member, but he is now prepared to go on. “I can say, ‘You know what, ‘you fell man, what are you going to do about it?’” while I’m looking in the mirror.

We’re at that point, so go ahead, man. Campbell acknowledged that he anticipates losing both coordinators, DE Aaron Glenn and OC Ben Johnson, to head coaching positions.

“I haven’t been told anything, I’ve got a feeling, but I’m prepared to lose both,” he stated.

If Johnson does depart, Campbell said, Goff will have “a lot of input” in choosing the next coordinator.

“We couldn’t overcome it” and the defense was unable to “apply enough pressure” on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to have him make a mistake, he said, bemoaning the five turnovers versus Washington. “We might stand a chance if we just flip it over three times.

That’s absurd, considering that we’re discussing three. Furthermore, I don’t want to diminish Washington in any way; they deserve that victory.

We shot ourselves in the foot, though, dude. And we simply did that game, even though we haven’t done it yet.”

DETROIT – The Detroit Lions lost to the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday.

The team, which had been a heavy favorite after a first-round bye, had all the makings of an upset: turnovers and explosive plays allowed on defense.

Detroit also had a franchise-record 15 wins, the No. 1 seed, and more home playoff games at Ford Field.

Ultimately, Detroit was forced into yet another traumatic offseason when rookie Jayden Daniels outperformed Lions franchise quarterback Jared Goff on the greatest stage.

Early key defensive stop The Commanders kicked out of bounds to give the Lions offense great field position, and they went three-and-out to begin the game.

On fourth and one, Aaron Glenn’s defense came up with a major play that stuffed a strange pitch play from backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, despite Washington driving deep into Detroit territory.

It wasn’t all positive news, either. Amik Robertson, a cornerback who has been playing at an All Pro level since the loss of No. 1 cornerback Carlton Davis, was lost by the Lions on the second play of the defensive drive.

While making a tackle, teammate Jack Campbell struck Robertson, perhaps injuring his left arm. Two trainers escorted him to the locker room.

On the second possession, Ben Johnson wasn’t playing around.

Jahmyr Gibbs received the ball on four of the following five plays—a 15-yard run, a 23-yard catch, a 9-yard run, and a 1-yard touchdown—after Goff’s 19-yard pass to Jameson Williams on the opening play.

The Lions started strong, moving 41 yards inside the Washington 30, but Goff turned it over again, throwing an interception to Mike Sainristil .

in the end zone. It felt like the Lions needed to get in the end zone before halftime, especially since Washington was scheduled to receive the second-half kickoff.

They started strong, moving 41 yards inside the Washington 30 before Goff threw an interception to Mike Sainristil in the end zone, turning the ball over once more.

collapse in the second half After halftime, the Lions started strong, forcing a punt and then scoring a score to go within three points.

The Commanders won 45–31, and the last Lions possession ended appropriately with another Goff interception.

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Aaron Glenn should have more than two head coaching opportunities, and a significant chance is presenting itself this Saturday night.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewed for five of the six head coaching openings at the time, with another position added since (Dallas Cowboys) to replace the one already filled (New England Patriots).

Glenn is most closely linked to two head coaching vacancies: the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints. While the Jets have been interviewing numerous candidates, the Saints seem more focused on Glenn if he’s their top choice. However, reports suggest Glenn may prefer the Jets.

During his Friday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter reaffirmed his belief that both Glenn and Ben Johnson will receive head coaching offers. McAfee mentioned the assumption that Glenn is a strong candidate for the Jets’ role, which Schefter largely confirmed.

“I think Aaron Glenn is in play in New York, in New Orleans, and even in Las Vegas, if he chooses,” Schefter remarked.

Aaron Glenn’s in-person head coaching audition opportunity on Saturday night It may seem like a conflict of interest, but the situation can’t be ignored.

Raiders minority owner Tom Brady will be in the FOX booth for Saturday night’s game between the Lions and Commanders. Although he remains restricted from tampering throughout the week, there’s nothing stopping him from interacting socially with Glenn or Johnson, both of whom have interviewed for the Raiders’ head coaching job, on the field before the game.

Moreover, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk pointed out, Brady will have a unique perspective, observing Glenn and Johnson during a high-stakes playoff game. As the Raiders continue their search, this gives them an edge no other team can match.

Similar to Schefter’s remarks on McAfee’s show, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz challenged the idea that Johnson is the clear frontrunner for the Raiders’ role.

Despite any negative views about Brady’s presence in the booth for Saturday’s game, the fact remains that this presents a rare opportunity for Glenn (if he’s interested) to audition in real-time for the Raiders’ head coaching position, just as it does for Johnson.

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The Detroit Lions face a crucial game this weekend against the Washington Commanders. For one fan, it’s the only thing on his mind, even after undergoing surgery.

The Lions will take on the Commanders in the divisional round this Saturday, marking their first postseason appearance this season after earning the NFC’s top seed.

It’s been a thrilling time for Detroit fans over the past two years. Last season, the team secured its first playoff win since 1992.

Quarterback Jared Goff has been a key leader in the Lions’ resurgence. He’s become a fan favorite, with crowds regularly chanting his name around the city.

But one fan’s chant stands out. After having wrist surgery, the young Lions supporter’s only thought when greeting his family was to shout “Jared Goff.”

Detroit truly is a Lions town. When recovering from major surgery, the first thing that crosses the mind is rallying behind the franchise quarterback. This kid knows the drill!

Saturday night at Ford Field will be electric when the Lions and Commanders face off. Last year, Lions fans were a constant source of energy during two playoff games.

Now, anyone coming to Detroit in the postseason will be in for a tough atmosphere. Commanders fans should get ready for the inevitable “Goff chants” in just a few days.

 

 

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

By Tribune News Service | Tribune News Service

 

The Detroit Lions will welcome back an important member of their offense at practice this week.

 

Running back David Montgomery (knee) and cornerback Terrion Arnold (foot) were listed as full participants on Tuesday’s practice report. The team held a walkthrough to begin the week of preparation for Saturday night’s prime-time meeting with the Washington Commanders, but provided an estimated report with injury designations.

“I’m confident,” Montgomery said Tuesday night. “I mean, I wouldn’t be out there if I wasn’t ready. So I’m confident I’m ready to go, really.”

 

Montgomery suffered a serious knee injury in the team’s Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team initially believed his season was over, but got encouraging outside opinions that opened the door for his return.

 

Lions coach Dan Campbell seemed confident Montgomery would be able to make his return in Saturday’s game against the Commanders, and being listed as a full participant on the practice report is the first step toward making that hope a reality. Before the injury, Montgomery had totaled 1,116 yards from scrimmage (775 rushing) and 12 touchdowns over 14 games.

 

On the flip side, several Lions players were listed as “no practice” coming off an extra week of recovery. Right guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring), cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring/illness) and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf) were all listed as nonparticipants on the report.

 

Losing Zeitler would be a massive blow entering the playoffs. Zeitler, a free-agent acquisition last offseason, has been a significant addition to one of the league’s best offensive lines.

 

Still, the silver lining is that Arnold, who appeared to suffer a nasty injury during Detroit’s Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings and was spotted in a walking boot after the game, is trending toward being available for the Lions’ opening-round matchup.