Detroit Lions Coaching Staff Overview (2025)

The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with a coaching staff that has undergone some significant changes while maintaining a core group of seasoned professionals. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing the team’s performance on both sides of the ball, as well as improving special teams. Let’s break down the individual roles and their importance to the team’s strategy for the upcoming season.

Dan Campbell – Head Coach

Dan Campbell remains the figurehead of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff for the 2025 season. Known for his emotional leadership and aggressive play-calling style, Campbell has transformed the Lions into a competitive team within the NFC. His relentless attitude has brought a new culture to Detroit, and his focus for 2025 will likely revolve around improving team discipline and elevating the performances of young players.

John Morton – Offensive Coordinator

John Morton, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Lions in the past, returns to the role in 2025 after a brief hiatus. His knowledge of the team’s offensive system allows for continuity and a smooth transition in maintaining the team’s offensive identity. Morton will work closely with the quarterback room to develop a more dynamic passing game, which will be critical given the team’s rising star, quarterback Jared Goff. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense will likely continue to rely on a balance between the pass and run, utilizing star running back Jahmyr Gibbs and improving the overall efficiency of the attack.

David Shaw – Passing Game Coordinator

A new addition to the staff, David Shaw brings a wealth of experience from his time coaching at Stanford, where he developed a reputation for his sophisticated passing schemes. Shaw’s arrival as passing game coordinator is expected to improve the team’s downfield threats, particularly in an era where passing is paramount in the NFL. The goal will be to develop explosive plays, helping the Lions move away from a reliance on shorter, more methodical drives to incorporate bigger, chunk gains.

Tashard Choice – Running Backs Coach

Tashard Choice has been brought in to coach the running backs, a position that has become even more critical for the Lions with the development of Jahmyr Gibbs. Choice is well-regarded for his ability to maximize the potential of his running backs, and this synergy will be key to maintaining balance in the offense. With the league becoming more pass-heavy, a strong running game is essential, and Choice will be instrumental in developing young players and ensuring that the ground game remains a major part of the Lions’ attack.

Tyler Roehl – Tight Ends Coach

Tyler Roehl has big shoes to fill as the tight ends coach in 2025. The tight end group will be crucial for both the passing and run games, as they serve as reliable targets for the quarterback while also being vital blockers in the run game. Roehl’s experience will help the Lions develop a multifaceted approach that gets the tight ends more involved in the offense. His ability to develop tight ends who can excel in multiple facets of the game could make a big difference for the Lions in 2025.

Hank Fraley – Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach

Hank Fraley’s continued role as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator is a critical element for the Lions’ success in 2025. Fraley has built a solid offensive line that plays a major role in both the team’s rushing attack and pass protection. The Lions’ offensive line is central to the team’s offensive success, and Fraley’s ability to maintain a unit that is both physical and technically sound will be vital. With a young, talented group on the line, Fraley’s work will focus on consistency and eliminating penalties or missed assignments.

Kelvin Sheppard – Defensive Coordinator

Kelvin Sheppard, promoted from his previous role as linebackers coach, now serves as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. Sheppard has built a reputation for his ability to get the most out of his linebackers, and now, with a broader scope of responsibilities, he will oversee the entire defensive scheme. Given the Lions’ improvements on defense in recent years, Sheppard will focus on creating a more aggressive unit that can disrupt opposing quarterbacks, increase turnovers, and maintain stout run defense. The team’s success in 2025 will depend heavily on Sheppard’s ability to develop young talent and adjust to the offensive strategies employed by their rivals.

Dave Fipp – Special Teams Coordinator

Dave Fipp’s role as special teams coordinator remains unchanged in 2025. The special teams unit has been one of the Lions’ strengths under Fipp’s direction, and his continued presence ensures that the team will not overlook these crucial aspects of the game. Fipp’s special teams units are known for their discipline, high energy, and ability to make pivotal plays at key moments. As a coach, Fipp’s ability to get the most out of his players on special teams will be important in 2025, especially when games are decided by field position or a special teams play.

Scottie Montgomery – Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers Coach

Scottie Montgomery continues in his role as wide receivers coach while assuming additional responsibilities as assistant head coach. His ability to coach wide receivers will be pivotal to the development of Detroit’s receiving corps, led by star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Montgomery’s role as assistant head coach will also involve him in broader team strategies, helping with game plans and offering leadership in critical moments. His dual role positions him as a key figure in shaping the team’s overall direction in 2025.

Mark Brunell – Quarterbacks Coach

Mark Brunell, a former NFL quarterback, will continue as the Lions’ quarterbacks coach. Brunell’s expertise will be invaluable to Jared Goff’s development, particularly as the quarterback continues to improve in his second stint with the Lions. Goff will benefit from Brunell’s mentorship, especially when it comes to reading defenses, decision-making under pressure, and maintaining poise in key moments. Brunell’s experience in high-pressure situations will help develop a more dynamic and adaptable quarterback in Goff.

Bruce Gradkowski – Offensive Assistant

Bruce Gradkowski continues in his role as offensive assistant. Although not a position that draws as much attention, Gradkowski plays an essential part in breaking down film, evaluating opponents, and assisting in the development of the offensive game plan. His work behind the scenes will ensure that the Lions are prepared to counter the defenses they face week after week.

Steve Oliver – Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Steve Oliver will continue to support Hank Fraley in developing the offensive line. The Lions’ success in the trenches will depend on both the line’s physicality and their ability to execute complex blocking schemes. Oliver’s ability to coach the backup offensive linemen and help improve their skills will be key in creating depth along the offensive line.

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British & Irish Lions Coaching Staff Overview (2025)

As for the British & Irish Lions, the 2025 tour to Australia is set to be a defining moment for the team. With the appointment of Andy Farrell as head coach, the Lions are looking to build on the success of recent years while forging a new path forward. The Lions will face the challenge of taking on the Wallabies in what is expected to be a competitive series.

Andy Farrell – Head Coach

Andy Farrell is one of the most experienced and successful coaches in the northern hemisphere, having helped Ireland to great heights. His leadership will be key to the Lions’ success in Australia. Farrell’s ability to unify players from different countries with varying styles of play will be a critical factor in the Lions’ preparation for the 2025 tour. Farrell’s focus will likely be on developing a well-rounded, aggressive team that can adapt to the unique challenges posed by Australian rugby.

David Nucifora – General Manager of Performance

David Nucifora is an experienced figure in rugby coaching, having served in various roles with the Australian Rugby Union and, most recently, as the Director of Rugby at the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Nucifora’s experience in managing teams and overseeing performance will be essential in ensuring that the Lions are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in 2025. His role as general manager of performance will involve oversight of all aspects of the team’s physical and tactical preparation.

Aled Walters – Head of Athletic Performance

Aled Walters is one of the leading figures in rugby conditioning, having worked with the Irish Rugby Football Union to great success. As head of athletic performance, Walters will play a crucial role in preparing the Lions’ players physically for the intense demands of a tour in Australia. His attention to detail in developing tailored training programs, improving player fitness, and ensuring that players peak at the right time will be essential for the Lions’ hopes of success in 2025.

Vinny Hammond – Head of Analysis

Vinny Hammond’s role as head of analysis will be essential in providing the Lions with the strategic insights they need to succeed against Australia. Hammond’s deep knowledge of the game and his experience working with previous Lions tours gives him a distinct advantage in breaking down the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. His detailed analysis will help guide tactical decisions and game plans as the Lions take on one of the most formidable teams in world rugby.

Both the Detroit Lions and the British & Irish Lions have made crucial changes to their coaching staffs ahead of the 2025 season and tour. For the Detroit Lions, the emphasis is on improving offensive consistency, strengthening defensive play, and continuing to develop a well-rounded team capable of competing at the highest level. On the other hand, the British & Irish Lions will lean heavily on the expertise of Andy Farrell and his coaching staff to prepare for a challenging 2025 tour to Australia. With a combination of experience, leadership, and strategic planning, both teams are set for exciting and challenging seasons ahead.