Don’t Act Like We’re Bringing in a Scrub’: Why Lions Believe They’ll Bounce Back Stronger After Losing Key Minds”

The Detroit Lions have been through a whirlwind of changes this offseason, losing several key coaches and front-office personnel to bigger opportunities elsewhere. For many teams, this kind of “brain drain” could spell disaster—a setback that takes years to recover from. But the Lions aren’t just any team, and their leadership isn’t sweating the departures. In fact, they’re confident they’ll not only survive but thrive.

When offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, once a hot head-coaching candidate, decided to return to Detroit instead of chasing a top job, it felt like a major win. But then, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewed for multiple openings, and other assistants like Duce Staley and Aubrey Pleasant moved on. Even front-office execs like director of player personnel Lance Newmark and assistant GM Ray Agnew drew interest from other teams. It’s the kind of exodus that could leave a franchise scrambling.

Yet, inside the Lions’ facility, the vibe is anything but panic. Head coach Dan Campbell, known for his fiery passion and no-nonsense approach, set the tone early: “Don’t act like we’re bringing in a scrub to replace these guys.” His message was clear—the Lions aren’t just filling holes; they’re reloading with talent.

So, why the confidence? For starters, the Lions have built a culture where success is expected, not just hoped for. When Campbell and GM Brad Holmes took over in 2021, this was a franchise in shambles—a perennial loser with no identity. Fast forward three years, and the Lions are coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance, with a roster full of young stars and a coaching staff that’s become a breeding ground for future leaders.

Losing bright minds hurts, but it’s also a sign of respect. The fact that other teams want Lions coaches and executives means Detroit is doing something right. “If nobody’s poaching your people, you’re probably not winning,” one team insider said. The best organizations—think the Patriots during their dynasty or the current 49ers—always deal with staff turnover because success attracts attention.

The Lions’ front office has also shown a knack for finding underrated talent, both on the field and in the coaching ranks. When Johnson was promoted to OC in 2022, he was relatively unknown. Now, he’s considered one of the brightest offensive minds in football. The same goes for Glenn, who turned a struggling defense into a respectable unit. The belief is that the next wave of coaches will step up just as effectively.

Then there’s the roster itself. Unlike past years, where the Lions relied on a few stars to carry the load, this team is stacked with depth. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing the best football of his career, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a bona fide superstar, and the offensive line is among the NFL’s best. Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson is a game-wrecker, and young players like Brian Branch and Jack Campbell are emerging as key pieces.

Perhaps most importantly, the Lions have established an identity—something that doesn’t leave with a few coaches. This is a tough, physical team that prides itself on outworking opponents. Campbell’s “bite-your-kneecaps-off” mentality isn’t just a soundbite; it’s embedded in how the Lions play. That kind of culture doesn’t disappear because a coordinator takes another job.

Of course, none of this guarantees success. The NFL is a league of adjustments, and the Lions will have to prove they can keep evolving. But history suggests that great teams don’t fall apart just because they lose assistants—they adapt. The Chiefs lost Eric Bieniemy and kept rolling. The Rams saw coaches come and go during their Super Bowl run. The Lions believe they’re built the same way.

So while outsiders might see the departures and wonder if Detroit’s window is closing, the Lions see it differently. They’re not rebuilding—they’re reloading. And if their track record is any indication, betting against them would be a mistake. As Campbell put it: “We didn’t get here by accident, and we damn sure ain’t going away just because some guys got bigger jobs.”

For Lions fans, that’s more than just coachspeak—it’s a promise. And if the past few seasons have taught us anything, it’s that this team knows how to deliver.