Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Lions Just Lost Another Coach Who Could've Replaced Aaron Glenn

By Cem Yolbulan

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a replay during the first half of the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches a replay during the first half of the 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Detroit Lions are going through radical changes this offseason. Immediately after their disappointing loss to the Commanders, the Lions are seeing a wave of departures in their coaching staff. Ben Johnson was quickly hired as the new Bears head coach and Aaron Glenn is expected to accept a head coaching job later this week.

However, it's not just the two coveted coordinators leaving for seemingly greener pastures. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams was just hired as the new defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

NFL News: Terrell Williams Leaves Detroit to Become the Patriots Defensive Coordinator

This is a big loss for the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell. Williams joined Detroit in the 2024 offseason as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator. Campbell regularly called him the best defensive line coach in the NFL and most recently identified him as the type of coach he wants on his staff. Williams was considered a potential candidate to replace Aaron Glenn as the defensive coordinator.

Now, he will get that opportunity in New England under Mike Vrabel. He previously worked with Vrabel between 2018 and 2023. He was Vrabel's first hire in Foxborough, displaying how highly he values the 50-year-old coach.

The Patriots took a significant step back on the defensive end of the field last season. First-time head coach Jerod Mayo and new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington struggled in their first season, forcing the front office to revamp the coaching staff. By bringing in a franchise icon like Vrabel and allowing him to build out his staff, the Patriots are hoping to get back to winning ways.

The Lions not only need to hire a new offensive coordinator as soon as possible, but they also need to likely hire a defensive coordinator, so that they can start building out the coaching staff. There may be more departures in the coming days as Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley is a leading candidate for the Seahawks offensive coordinator opening.

A busy offseason is awaiting Dan Campbell and the Lions.

More Lions news and rumors:

feed

Home/Detroit Lions