Detroit Lions 2025 Training Camp Preview: Can New Coordinators Deliver Same Results?
The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations, but there’s one big question on everyone’s mind: Can their new coordinators keep the team rolling after last year’s success? The Lions had a breakout season in 2024, making a deep playoff run and proving they’re no longer the same old Lions. But with changes at offensive and defensive coordinator, fans are wondering if the team can maintain—or even improve upon—that momentum.
Last season, the Lions’ offense was explosive, led by a dynamic passing attack and a punishing ground game. Quarterback Jared Goff was in top form, making smart decisions and spreading the ball around to his playmakers. The offensive line was dominant, giving Goff plenty of time to throw and opening up huge lanes for the running backs. But now, with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson moving on to a head coaching job, the reins have been handed to a new play-caller. The big question is whether the new coordinator can keep the offense humming at the same level. Goff has thrived in this system, and any major changes could disrupt the rhythm that made the Lions so dangerous.
On the defensive side, the Lions made significant strides in 2024, transforming from a liability into a unit that could actually win games. The pass rush was ferocious, the secondary was more reliable, and the linebackers flew around making plays. But just like on offense, there’s a new voice leading the defense. The previous defensive coordinator got poached by another team after the Lions’ success, and now it’s up to the new guy to keep the defense playing at a high level. The Lions have invested heavily in their defense over the past few years, bringing in young talent through the draft and key veterans in free agency. If the new coordinator can build on last year’s progress, this defense could be even better. But if the transition isn’t smooth, the Lions could take a step back at the worst possible time.
Training camp will be the first real test for these new coordinators. This is where they’ll install their schemes, build chemistry with the players, and prove they can handle the pressure. The Lions have a strong core of veterans who know how to win, but they also have young players who need guidance. How quickly everyone adapts to the new systems will determine whether the Lions start the season strong or struggle out of the gate.
One of the biggest factors in all of this is head coach Dan Campbell. He’s the glue that holds everything together, and his leadership will be crucial in making sure the transition goes smoothly. Campbell has built a culture of toughness and resilience in Detroit, and players have bought in completely. If anyone can make sure the new coordinators succeed, it’s him. He knows what works for this team, and he won’t let unnecessary changes mess with their identity.
Then there’s the roster itself. The Lions didn’t just sit back and hope for the best after last season—they went out and made some key additions. The draft brought in a few potential impact players, and free agency filled some important holes. The offensive line, already one of the best in the league, got even deeper. The receiving corps added another weapon to take pressure off Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. And on defense, the Lions added more speed and athleticism to keep up with the high-powered offenses in the NFC.
But talent alone isn’t enough. The NFL is a league of adjustments, and the best teams are the ones that can adapt. The Lions’ new coordinators will have to prove they can put players in the right positions to succeed. They’ll have to show they can make in-game adjustments when things aren’t working. And most importantly, they’ll have to earn the trust of the locker room. Players need to believe in the system, and if they don’t, even the most talented teams can fall apart.
The good news is that the Lions have stability at the most important position: quarterback. Jared Goff is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and he’s clearly comfortable in this offense. He doesn’t have to carry the team on his own—the running game and defense can take pressure off him—but when he needs to make a play, he’s shown he can do it. If the new offensive coordinator can keep Goff in rhythm, the Lions’ offense should still be one of the most dangerous in the league.
Defensively, the Lions have playmakers at every level. Aidan Hutchinson is a game-wrecker off the edge, the linebackers are fast and physical, and the secondary has a mix of veterans and young talent. The new defensive coordinator doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—he just needs to put these guys in position to make plays. If he can do that, the Lions’ defense could take another leap forward.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Every year, teams that looked great on paper fall short because of coaching changes, injuries, or just bad luck. The Lions have to stay healthy, especially at key positions. They have to avoid the kind of locker room drama that can derail a season. And they have to hope that their new coordinators are up to the challenge.
The NFC North is as competitive as ever. The Packers are always tough, the Vikings have reloaded, and the Bears are finally starting to look dangerous. The Lions can’t afford to take a step back if they want to stay on top of the division. Last season proved they belong in the conversation with the best teams in the league. Now, they have to prove they can stay there.
Training camp is where it all begins. The pads come on, the competition heats up, and the real work starts. The Lions have the talent, the coaching, and the momentum. But can the new coordinators deliver the same results? We’re about to find out. If they can, the Lions could be headed for another special season. If not, it might be a year of frustrating setbacks. Either way, all eyes will be on Detroit as they prepare for what could be a defining season for the franchise.
