As I was salting my driveway earlier today, I heard shouts echoing for as far as my ears could hear. ‘BEN IS GONE BEN IS GONE THAT TRAITOR!!!’ Yes, the wizard that is Ben Johnson has indeed bolted to the Windy City to become the Head Coach of the rival Chicago Bears. Lions fans are justified in their frustration, however, please look at it from Johnson’s side. He goes to a blue blood NFL franchise (albeit an inept one) that has drafted what they believe is a franchise QB in Caleb Williams who is on a rookie contract. They have draft capital and considerable cap space. They have a stud WR in DJ Moore, a budding star in Rome Odunze, a darn good TE in Cole Kemet, and an up and coming defense. They add to their line and draft/sign a good RB and yikes… the best division in the NFL just got better. But Lions fans, MCDC has got to control what he can control. He knows it and plans to do something about it. Remember, he got rid of Anthony Lynn early in his first year and took over the play calling himself. The offense significantly improved. Then he hired Ben Johnson the following season. Be honest, did anyone even know anything about the guy? Campbell identified what he wanted by hiring Johnson and we have seen the results. Why does anyone think he won’t do the same this time around? He will take his time. He will do his vetting, and he will turn over the keys to the Lamborghini to the right man.

Aaron Glenn. A very polarizing coach in Lion Land. Ya either loved him or hated him. In 48 hours, I predict he will be moving on as well to either the Jets or the Saints. He is a motivator, and he knows how to build and run a defense. However, did he adapt to the injury situation the Lions were given? His defense was literally crippled, yet he insisted on playing man to man exclusively. It worked against the Vikings in a must win game for sure. However, his defense did surrender a lot of points and was down at the bottom of the league in many passing categories. A combined 90 points to final four teams in Washington and Buffalo was eye-opening.

So it’s forward down the field to find their replacements. Here is a list of possible hires.

OFFENSE

Tanner Engstrand. I believe he is the leader in the clubhouse. Campbell in his presser today sure sounded like he wants to keep it in the family. Engstrand has been in the organization since 2020. He is highly regarded around the NFL for his offensive mind and has studied under Johnson as the team’s passing coordinator. The game plan is always first in his hands from Johnson. The Lions have had an elite passing attack for the last three years. The Lions may want to move quickly on him as Ben Johnson may want to swoop him up to run the Bears offense.

Hank Fraley. Another internal candidate who’s credited with coaching up arguably the best offensive line in the NFL. He certainly has a high recommendation from All Pro, Pro Bowler and Captain Frank Ragnow. ‘I think he would be great.’ according to Jerry Reisman from Pride of Detroit. “He’s bright, man. He’s bright. He’s so creative in what he does with this offense. I know Ben gets a lot of credit or whatever, but Hank. the whole staff, they’re very innovative and they do a good job.’ High praise indeed.

Scotty Montgomery. Yet another internal candidate. He is an assistant head coach and someone Campbell believes should be a head coaching candidate which makes him a serious contender. The run game was spectacular. Jahmyr Gibbs has evolved into a top three RB in the league and is already a superstar. Credit Montgomery for making that happen.

John Morton. Morton is the passing game coordinator under Sean Payton in Denver. Campbell credits Payton for much of his success as a head coach. Morton worked closely with rookie QB Bo Nix to amass almost 4.000 yards and 30 TD’s this season. He worked with Campbell in 2015-16 when he was the WR coach in New Orleans.

Grant Udinske. Udinske is the assistant QB coach in Minnesota. He is very young at just 28 years old. He has worked with Head Coach and QB whisperer Kevin O’Connell for three years. He is credited alongside QB Coach Josh McCown for resurrecting the career of Sam Darnold. He also helped get Josh Dobbs ready for the Vikings late playoff push in 2023 when Kirk Cousins went down. A rising star, but perhaps too young for the position.

Justin Riscotti. Riscotti is the passing game coordinator for the Bengals. Riscotti also works under O’Connell in Minnesota as an assistant offensive line coach. Riscotti worked closely with Joe Burrow. The Bengals had the top passing attack in the NFL this season.

DEFENSE

Kelvin Shepard. Another internal candidate. Shepard is the Lions’ Linebackers coach. He is credited with the development of second year LB Jack Campbell. Campbell made significant strides in his second season. He also worked with specialized edge rushers. With the decimation of the LB room due to injuries Shepard has been credited by Glenn for that task. Campbell has said many times that he loves the passion and motivation Shepard brings to the defense. He has the backing of the linebacker room. Shepard played for the Lions in 2018. Campbell said at the beginning of the season that he and Glenn wanted to “put more on him.’ He may very well be the odds on favorite for the job.

Aubrey Pleasant. Rams assistant head coach, defensive passing game coach and defensive backs coach. He was hired away from the Green Bay Packers. There have been rumblings around the league that he will soon be a head coach. He was on Michigan’s staff for a couple of years before he broke into the NFL in 2013. Pleasant had a previous stint with Detroit prior to being let go, but could return with the departure of Aaron Glenn.

Robert Saleh. Saleh is now available after being let go by the Jets early in the season. Many saw that as a huge mistake. Saleh is getting interviews for Head Coaching jobs. The Jaguars have requested a second interview so this potential hire could render moot. If he is not hired, he would be on many teams’ short list for DC. A Dearborn native who was on the Lions’ short list for head coach before they went with Campbell.

Steve Wilkes. Another former HC that was handed a raw deal in Arizona after one season. Wilkes did a very admirable job as interim head coach of the Panthers when Matt Rhule was let go mid-season. Wilkes was let go by the 49ers after their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs last year. Keep in mind, however, that the Niners have had three DC’s in three years. Wilkes is highly regarded around the league as having an excellent defensive mind. One does wonder, though, why he’s had so many short stints in the league.

This indeed is a crucial hire for Campbell. Their window for a Super Bowl is still wide open and we shall see if it was the players or the coordinators who desrve the Lions share of the credit. Stay tuned.