The Detroit Lions' 2026 offseason might have just gotten started, but already there is every reason to believe the team will be a player in the NFC North next season. This isn't just due to the coaching changes in Detroit, but division rivals who are suffering losses or making poor choices. This includes a Green Bay Packers squad that endured an incredible playoff collapse and still decided to bring back Matt LaFleur for the 2026 season. Not only is the team bringing back the leader who helped lead that collapse, but the franchise also lost defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Now, former quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion has been stolen by the Philadelphia Eagles, after the team announced him as its new offensive coordinator. Hafley earned a promotion, as he was hired as the Miami Dolphins' head coach, and Mannion has stepped away from Green Bay to lead the Philadelphia offense. Both coaches were incredibly impactful and great losses for Detroit's rival in what has already been a productive offseason.
Mannion helped Malik Willis rebuild his stock while also assisting Jordan Love in taking the next step as a starter. Losing his leadership is great for the Lions and gives the franchise yet another reason to believe they can overtake the Packers in the 2026 season. Arguably, the most impactful move is the decision to bring back a head coach who has now proven that no matter the lead, a collapse is on the table for Green Bay.
Lions Can't Help but Enjoy Green Bay Packers Offseason Missteps
LaFleur had a 21-3 lead in the first round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bears and sat and watched as his team imploded. It is the type of collapse that fans would expect to see before a head coach gets fired. Instead, it has earned LaFleur an extension. Detroit already has an edge over the Packers, going 6-2 against its division rival since Dan Campbell took over.
Losing Mannion and Hafley furthers this advantage with both coaches overseeing a great 2025 season in their respective positions. Hafley not only left the division but the NFC altogether. Detroit is winning without making a move, simply sitting back and watching Green Bay lose key coaches. This isn't limited to the Packers, either. The Chicago Bears are losing running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to the Kansas City Chiefs, returning to the team as their new offensive coordinator.
No question, the Lions are in a great position in the North and need to finish building out their own staff to effectively make up ground on rivals who are unable to get out of their own way. A great start to what is a pivotal offseason for Detroit.