The Detroit Lions are wasting no time picking up the pieces after a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Washington Commanders ended their storybook 2024 season. While the dust has barely settled, general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions organization have already shifted their focus to preparing for 2025 and beyond.
Holmes, speaking in his end-of-season press conference, exuded unwavering confidence in quarterback Jared Goff despite the Lions losing both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets respectively. Defensive line coach Terrell Williams also departed to become the New England Patriots’ new defensive coordinator.
Goff Still Ascending, Holmes Says
While such significant coaching turnover would rattle most organizations, Holmes firmly believes the 29-year-old Goff will continue to thrive in Detroit. “I think the guy’s in his prime. He’s gotten better and better every year,” Holmes emphasized. “The levels keep improving. I just have a lot of faith in [head coach] Dan [Campbell] and I know that he’ll make sure that Jared’s gonna be in a good position.”
Historic Season for Goff
Goff enjoyed a career renaissance in 2024 under Johnson’s tutelage, becoming the first player in NFL history to complete over 72% of his passes while throwing for 4,500+ yards. He earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod and finished as an MVP finalist after amassing 4,629 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while leading the Lions to a franchise-record 15 wins.
“Obviously we were prepared to lose those guys. Those guys were great coaches, and I mean, just call it what it is, we were lucky to have both of them this year. But I know Dan has been preparing for it and I have the full faith and trust in Dan to make sure we’re gonna have the right people in place in those spots.”
– Brad Holmes on coaching changes
Goff to Have Input on New OC
As the Lions search for Johnson’s replacement, head coach Dan Campbell plans to heavily involve Goff in the process. “To me that’s important. That’s what Ben did a great job of, is those guys working together, and the system was kind of built from the ground up, and it was to help him and for him to be a part of,” Campbell noted.
Super Bowl Window Still Open
Despite the early playoff exit, Holmes maintains that Detroit’s Super Bowl window has not closed. He believes they are “very close” to winning a championship if they stay the course.
“I just think that we just stay the course and keep building like we’ve been. I do think that we’re very close…Obviously, I do think we’re very close and I felt really good about this season but fell short but we’re gonna stay committed and stay committed to the process.”
– Brad Holmes on Lions’ title chances
With Jared Goff playing the best football of his career and the Lions’ young core continuing to develop, Brad Holmes has every reason to be optimistic about the future in Detroit. The challenge now becomes maintaining that positive momentum through a turbulent offseason of change. But if Holmes’ faith in Goff and Campbell is any indication, the Lions won’t be an easy out in 2025.
