Lions in Turmoil: Top Coordinators Depart, Jets Eye Detroit’s Defensive Stars in Free Agency Shake-Up

The Detroit Lions are navigating a period of major change following a difficult loss to the Washington Commanders on Saturday. The organization now faces the challenge of replacing both its offensive and defensive coordinators, as Ben Johnson has been hired as the Chicago Bears’ new head coach, and Aaron Glenn has taken the same role with the New York Jets.

While Lions fans and the team are proud to see these highly regarded coaches advance their careers, concerns are mounting about the potential ripple effects of their departures. Beyond the possibility of the team regressing without Johnson and Glenn, there is unease about these coaches potentially targeting Lions players and staff to join their new organizations.

Reports indicate Johnson is unlikely to raid Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit, but Glenn’s intentions remain unclear. Even if Glenn refrains from hiring away assistant coaches, he may still set his sights on Lions players, particularly those entering free agency. As a first-time head coach, Glenn could lean on familiar faces, and having spent the last four seasons in Detroit, he knows the Lions’ defensive unit well.

Free agents like cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike are natural targets for Glenn. Davis, a star cornerback, would command a hefty contract, and with Sauce Gardner already anchoring the Jets’ secondary, a big-money move for Davis seems unlikely. However, Onwuzurike is a more realistic option. The 26-year-old defender thrived under Glenn’s schemes in Detroit and is coming off the best season of his career.

Ranked as the 22nd-best interior defender in the league by Pro Football Focus with a 69.4 defensive grade, Onwuzurike is poised for a significant payday. While he won’t require a deal as expensive as Davis, a multi-year contract worth eight figures annually could price him out of Detroit’s plans. If the Jets pursue him, the Lions may be forced to bid farewell to a key contributor on their defense.