The Detroit Lions have made some changes to the offensive side of the ball, including naming Drew Petzing as the team's next offensive coordinator. They are also making another strong addition to the offensive staff by hiring Mike Kafka.
While the offense has been at the forefront of the changes, the Lions made a savvy move to retain a defensive coach. The Athletic's Dianna Russini revealed on Jan. 26 that the Lions have agreed to terms to keep Jim O’Neil. He interviewed with the New York Jets for their defensive coordinator opening, but he'll be back in Detroit in 2026. O'Neil has been one of their best defensive coaches and has played a role in the Lions' safeties being as solid as they've been on the backend.
Lions Keeping Jim O’Neil Was Wise
Since arriving in Detroit in 2024, O'Neil has played a big role in the development and production of Detroit's safeties. During that campaign, safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch earned First-Team AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, respectively. In addition, the Lions' defense allowed the second-lowest completion percentage (82.0) and was tied for the second-fewest passing touchdowns allowed (18).
It didn't lead to the same output in 2025, though, and injuries played a role in that. Joseph was limited to six games due to a knee injury, with Branch tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions will play the majority of next season without Branch, and there's no telling how Joseph will look.
Despite these unanswered questions, having O'Neil as a stable voice in that room is important. The Lions will have some questions, but they have faith that O'Neil will get the most out of whoever's back there.
He did that this season with Thomas Harper. He was thrust into action in 2025, appearing in 12 games, making nine starts. In those outings, Harper had 37 total tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception. According to Pro Football Focus, the 25-year-old had an overall grade of 77.8 (11th among 98 graded safeties), a 72.5 run-defense grade (41st among 98 graded safeties), and a 75.9 coverage grade (10th among 98 graded safeties).
The Lions also threw Avonte Maddox at strong safety from Week 11 on, and he held down the fort. He recorded 17 total tackles, three pass deflections, and allowed 37 yards in coverage. On PFF, Maddox had a 79.1 coverage grade (10th among 98 graded safeties) and a 75 coverage grade (12th among 98 graded safeties).
No matter who has played at safety for the Lions over the last two years, they have found success, and O'Neil plays a massive role in that. And that's why Detroit retaining him was a great move that's going under the radar.