EXCLUSIVE
‘Brain drain’ – Detroit Lions preparing to reboot as fans fear worst following coaching exodus
Ben Johnson could be followed out of the Detroit Lions exit door.
The Lions offensive coordinator is all but confirmed as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has a second interview scheduled with the New York Jets.
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Whatever happens moving forward, Dan Campbell is already ready for the inevitable with Detroit.
The Lions' stunning 45-31 home loss to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round wasn't just the painful end of a season that was supposed to finish in the Super Bowl.
It was an earlier than expected reminder that Detroit could soon lose one or both of its coordinators during an offseason of major change.
"I would expect to lose both, but I haven’t been told anything,” Campbell said.
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“I’ve got a feeling, but I’m prepared to lose both.”
Johnson is Detroit's offensive coordinator and widely regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL.
Glenn spent 15 years in the NFL as a defensive back, making three Pro Bowls while playing for five teams.
The Lions' defensive coordinator has also been linked with the head coach opening in New Orleans, but the Jets have a second interview slated with their former player - making him the early favorite for their hot seat.
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On Monday, Campbell treated his coordinators leaving as a likely scenario.
For the Lions, they spent all season racking up wins -- and preparing to lose some of their top coaching names.
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"It's not the first year," Eric Woodyard, Lions beat writer for ESPN, exclusively told talkSPORT before the playoffs.
"The last two years, Ben Johnson's been linked to jobs. The last two years, Aaron Glenn's been linked to jobs. So I don't really think there's nothing out of the ordinary.
"I think they're handling it professionally, honestly. I think they'll take care of their personal business, but they also have gone through coaching interviews. So I think it's not really nothing new, honestly."
Glenn must convince an NFL team that he can lead an entire locker room, not just an offense.
Johnson must pick the right job at the right time - and he looks to have chosen Chicago and the first overall pick Caleb Williams.
Tom Brady had reportedly been at the center of Las Vegas' weeks-long effort to convince Johnson that the rebuilding Raiders are the ideal choice, but widespread reporting suggestions TB12 has missed out.
But after a blowout defeat to a rookie QB in the playoffs, the Lions must now answer whispers that they were unprepared for Washington.
Campbell placed the blame on himself, not his assistants who conducted virtual interviews with other teams across the NFL during the build up to a season-ending defeat.
"It's hard when you lose these games, man," said Campbell, pausing to fight back tears.
"It’s my fault," he added.
The Lions went a franchise-best 15-2 this season but could now lose Campbell's top two assistants.
There was no doubt, though, that Detroit knew exactly was at stake before Washington lit up Ford Field.
Dan Campbell brought to tears as he takes blame for Detroit Lions' crushing playoff loss to Washington Commanders
For months, the Lions have been preparing to replace Johnson and Glenn if other teams come calling.
If they depart, finally reaching the Super Bowl still remains Detroit's goal.
"None of these coaching opportunities are really taking away from what Ben Johnson or Aaron Glenn, what they wanna do, because they've been through it," Woodyard said.
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"That's why they came back. That's why they stuck through to become Super Bowl champions.
"So I think they'll handle it when the time is right, but it's just something that they're used to."
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