The Lions Look Lost Without Glenn and Johnson Guiding Them

The Detroit Lions were once celebrated as one of the NFL’s most promising franchises, a team built on grit, discipline, and a coaching staff that elevated talent to its peak. But with the departures of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive mastermind Ben Johnson, the Lions suddenly look like a team without a compass.

Glenn and Johnson were more than just assistants. Glenn, with his fiery leadership and ability to inspire his defensive unit, helped mold one of the most aggressive defenses in the league. Johnson, on the other hand, was widely recognized as one of the brightest offensive minds in football—his play designs and situational awareness transformed quarterback Jared Goff from a question mark into a legitimate franchise leader. Together, they created balance, stability, and an identity that Detroit fans hadn’t seen in decades.

Now, without them, cracks are beginning to show. The Lions’ offense lacks the same rhythm and creativity it once had, and their defense has struggled to maintain the same energy and discipline. Mistimed drives, miscommunications, and defensive breakdowns have left fans asking the same question: Where’s the leadership?

In many ways, the Lions’ situation is a reminder of how vital coordinators are in the modern NFL. While head coach Dan Campbell remains the emotional heartbeat of Detroit, the absence of Glenn and Johnson has stripped the team of the tactical brilliance that made them dangerous.

Some insiders even believe that Johnson’s departure has set back Goff’s development, pointing to the quarterback’s visible discomfort in recent games. Meanwhile, defensive lapses suggest that Glenn’s ability to hold players accountable and maximize their potential has been sorely missed.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Campbell has preached resilience, and the Lions’ roster remains filled with talent, including young stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The challenge now lies in rebuilding an identity without the coordinators who shaped it.

Detroit fans have waited a long time to see their team rise, and they won’t accept excuses. The Lions may look lost now, but the NFL season is long, and Campbell knows the expectations are higher than ever. If this team wants to prove it belongs among the league’s elite, it must find its way again—quickly.