Analysis of the Detroit Lions’ New Coaches and Their Approach to the Draft
Introduction
The Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, and the hiring of new coaches has brought a fresh perspective to the team’s approach both on the field and in the front office. As the NFL evolves, having a skilled and innovative coaching staff is critical for a team to succeed, particularly a franchise that has faced years of rebuilding. Along with the coaching changes, the Lions’ approach to the NFL Draft has become a key focus of their future strategy, signaling a shift toward long-term success. This analysis will dive into the Lions’ new coaching staff, their philosophies, and how these influence the team’s approach to player development, team culture, and draft strategy.
Part 1: The New Coaching Staff
The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff changes began with the hiring of Dan Campbell as head coach in 2021. Known for his passion, energy, and commitment to building a tough, physical team, Campbell is the figurehead of a shift toward a more aggressive, hard-nosed style of football. Campbell’s vision is rooted in transforming the Lions into a team that competes at a high level in the NFC North and beyond. However, it’s not just Campbell’s leadership that has shaped the team’s current direction — it’s the coaches he has surrounded himself with, many of whom bring unique skill sets and backgrounds.
1. Dan Campbell (Head Coach)
Dan Campbell, a former tight end and assistant coach, took over the Lions with the goal of changing the team’s identity. His approach revolves around building a strong, physical roster, emphasizing the importance of toughness, leadership, and teamwork. Campbell’s focus is on creating a culture where every player knows their role and plays with intensity. His background under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints has influenced his coaching philosophy, with an emphasis on a balanced offense and a tenacious defense. Under Campbell’s guidance, the Lions are trying to establish an offense that can dominate in both the passing and running games while fostering a defense that thrives on pressure and physicality.
2. Aaron Glenn (Defensive Coordinator)
Aaron Glenn, former NFL cornerback and defensive backs coach, has taken the reins as defensive coordinator. Glenn’s impact has been notable in his ability to develop young defensive players, particularly in the secondary. Under his leadership, the Lions have seen significant improvement in their defensive schemes, and he’s focused on creating a more aggressive, attacking defense that thrives on creating turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses. Glenn’s deep knowledge of defensive back play is crucial for a secondary that has struggled in past seasons, and his expertise allows him to develop young players into key contributors.
3. Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator)
Ben Johnson’s promotion to offensive coordinator was a key moment in the Lions’ trajectory. Johnson, who served as the Lions’ passing game coordinator, helped shape the team’s offensive identity. Johnson brings creativity and adaptability to the offense, focusing on maximizing the talent of quarterback Jared Goff and building an offense that can exploit mismatches. Johnson’s use of play-action, pre-snap motion, and diverse route concepts has helped make the Lions’ offense more dynamic and difficult to predict. His ability to adapt the playbook to the strengths of his personnel is a key aspect of his approach, and his schemes have helped the team’s offense become more explosive in recent seasons.
4. Other Key Coaching Hires
Other notable coaching hires include Duce Staley (Assistant Head Coach, Running Backs), who brings experience from the Eagles’ successful years, particularly as a mentor for running backs. Staley’s emphasis on developing a strong running game has been instrumental in creating a more balanced offensive attack. Also, the addition of Kelvin Sheppard (Linebackers Coach) has bolstered the Lions’ linebacker corps, which has been a weakness in past years.
Each of these coaches brings a distinct set of skills that complement one another, creating a cohesive coaching unit dedicated to improving both sides of the ball and fostering a winning culture.
Part 2: The Lions’ Draft Approach and Strategy
The Detroit Lions have struggled to find long-term success, and one of the key areas where they have worked to change the team’s future is through the NFL Draft. While free agency and trades are important, the draft is where teams truly build the foundation for sustained success. The Lions, under the guidance of general manager Brad Holmes, have focused on making savvy draft picks that reflect the team’s philosophy.
1. Brad Holmes’ Draft Philosophy
Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager, took over in 2021 and quickly earned a reputation for being a draft-focused executive. Holmes, who was instrumental in the Los Angeles Rams’ success in identifying talent during his time with the franchise, has emphasized the importance of drafting for both immediate impact and long-term development. Under his leadership, the Lions have made moves that reflect an understanding of the need for balance — they’ve prioritized a mix of young talent with high upside and established players who can help stabilize the roster.
Holmes’ philosophy is built on flexibility. He values the ability to move up or down in the draft, ensuring the Lions can target specific players while maximizing their draft capital. His ability to evaluate talent is central to his approach, as he has shown a keen eye for finding players who fit both the team’s needs and their long-term vision.
2. Building a Strong Foundation with Youth
One of the clear goals for the Lions in recent drafts has been to build a strong foundation of youth on both sides of the ball. In 2021, the Lions selected Penei Sewell, a standout offensive tackle, with the 7th overall pick. Sewell has quickly become one of the team’s most reliable players, showing his value as a cornerstone for the future of the offensive line. In addition, the Lions drafted defensive tackle Alim McNeill and linebacker Derrick Barnes, both of whom have shown flashes of promise in their early careers.
The 2022 Draft saw the Lions make significant moves to improve both their offense and defense. The selection of Aidan Hutchinson with the 2nd overall pick helped solidify the team’s pass rush, while the selection of Jameson Williams, a dynamic wide receiver, provided an explosive playmaker for the future. With these picks, the Lions demonstrated their commitment to both the trenches and skill positions, focusing on areas that can bring immediate impact while also building for sustained success.
3. Drafting for Value and Versatility
One of the Lions’ strategies in the draft has been to target players who offer both value and versatility. This philosophy allows them to address multiple needs while keeping the roster flexible. Players like defensive back Kerby Joseph (2022), who has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, fit into this mold. Similarly, wide receivers and running backs selected in recent drafts have shown the ability to contribute in various offensive roles, from the slot to outside receiver positions.
Additionally, the Lions have been willing to take calculated risks on players with high potential, whether it’s through trading up for a player like Williams or selecting lesser-known talents with high upside. This mix of safe picks and higher-risk, higher-reward selections has enabled the Lions to build depth while positioning themselves for future success.
4. Addressing Key Areas of Need
As the Lions continue to evolve, the draft remains a critical tool for addressing areas of need. While they have made improvements across the board, positions such as the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver still require attention. The Lions’ approach has been to use their draft picks wisely, making sure that each selection brings the potential for improvement.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, for example, many experts expected the Lions to target a cornerback or defensive lineman in the first round. This would help shore up a defense that has been inconsistent at times but shows promise under Glenn’s coaching. The team also continues to invest in improving the offensive line and adding weapons for Goff, helping ensure a balanced and competitive team across the board.
Part 3: The Road Ahead
The Lions’ new coaching staff and their evolving draft philosophy give the team a clear direction moving forward. With a strong group of young players, an experienced coaching staff, and a general manager who knows how to navigate the draft, the Lions appear to be setting themselves up for long-term success. The key to the Lions’ future lies in maintaining consistency in their draft strategy and ensuring that the new coaching staff continues to develop talent effectively.
The Lions are not without their challenges, but they are now in a better position than ever before to compete in the NFC North and potentially contend for playoff spots in the near future. The combination of a dynamic offense, an evolving defense, and a well-thought-out draft strategy places the Lions on a promising trajectory.
Leave a Reply