The Detroit Lions are focused on the future of the team, which involves securing players with long-term contracts before they consider other options. They’ve experienced numerous coaching changes this offseason, particularly losing Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets and Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears.
Despite the coaching changes, the Lions’ roster remains largely unchanged, at least for the time being. Regrettably, last season, one of the team’s top stars, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, suffered a broken left tibia and fibula in Week 6 during the game against the Dallas Cowboys. That sidelined him for the remainder of the season, but he is anticipated to fully return in 2025.
Detroit Lions Aidan Hutchinson Updates
The Lions might negotiate a contract extension with Hutchinson in the offseason, and since he’s among the team’s top players, many fans would be thrilled to have this Michigan alum remain with the team for several years ahead.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the media on Tuesday, February 25, at the NFL Scouting Combine and provided a significant update regarding Hutchinson, stating that the team is currently in the planning phase for his extension. Hutchinson has played in 39 career contests, recording 82 solo tackles, 30 TFLs, 65 QB hits, and, notably, 28.5 sacks, which is his signature achievement.
Holmes was also inquired whether the Lions possess the budget to acquire another top pass rusher given the increasing costs, to which he responded probably not.
Therefore, don’t anticipate any prominent pass rushers being added to the roster this time.
Dan Campbell Offers Coaching Update
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed reporters on Tuesday during the NFL Combine and talked about the significant shifts in his coaching staff. This is one of the initial instances where Campbell has delved deeply into the condition of the Lions’ coaching staff, making his appearance, naturally, very intriguing.
“I mentioned the same thing to Ben (Johnson) and A.G. (Aaron Glenn) as they were departing,” Campbell stated. “The key task you must undertake is to recruit your team.” I have already had to do that once, and then throughout the past four years, various coaches have come and left.
Campbell explained, saying, “This is somewhat phase two, to refresh the coordinators and various position coaches. I aimed to take my time and get it right. Numerous interviews, numerous. Truly engaged with them, took the time to understand. Try to understand them better. The ball is present, but it’s truly about the game and the synergy. I place great importance on that, so it was a significant aspect of it. “I believe we nailed it.”
Campbell further explained that he has conducted numerous interviews to select the appropriate coaching staff. When inquired about the number of interviews he held to select suitable candidates for his coaching staff, he mentioned a large figure, noting that he believed it was around 24, but “someone informed me it was 26…but, quite a lot.”