Ben Johnson Exit Viewed As Turning Point In Lions’ 2025 Regression

The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL season with high expectations following a dominant previous year, but the campaign quickly unraveled. After finishing as NFC North champions and securing the conference’s top playoff seed the year before, Detroit slipped to the bottom of the division standings.

A major storyline surrounding the decline has centered on the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose departure in the offseason significantly altered the team’s offensive identity. Johnson’s play-calling had been widely credited with elevating the Lions’ attack during their successful 2024 run.

His decision to leave for a division rival added another layer of complexity, reshaping both the Lions’ trajectory and the competitive balance within the NFC North. The move is now viewed as a pivotal offseason turning point.

Former players have since reflected on the impact of that transition, offering insight into how the change influenced both performance and team dynamics during a difficult season.

1. Offensive Identity Shifts After Key Departure

The Lions’ offense, which had been among the league’s most productive units in 2024, struggled to replicate its explosiveness in 2025. Much of that production had been tied to Johnson’s system and play design. Once Johnson departed, the offensive rhythm that had defined Detroit’s success became less consistent. Timing, creativity, and execution all showed signs of regression compared to the previous season. His hiring by the Chicago Bears not only weakened Detroit’s coaching structure but also strengthened a divisional opponent, intensifying the impact of the move. The ripple effect was felt throughout the roster as the Lions attempted to adjust to a new offensive approach without their former coordinator’s system in place.

2. Players Reflect On Surprise Exit

Former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, who later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, described Johnson’s departure as unexpected within the locker room. He noted that even players were uncertain about the coordinator’s future shortly before the move was finalized. Anzalone recalled a conversation in which Johnson himself appeared unsure about whether he would remain with Detroit, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the offseason decision. The eventual move to Chicago surprised many within the organization, particularly given the rivalry between the two NFC North teams. The shift added an emotional dimension to an already significant coaching change. Despite the initial shock, Anzalone acknowledged that Johnson’s success in Chicago was not surprising, citing his ability to elevate quarterback play and maximize offensive talent.

3. Broader Impact On Division Landscape

Johnson’s arrival in Chicago coincided with immediate improvements for the Bears, who benefited from both offensive structure and complementary roster upgrades. His partnership with quarterback Caleb Williams was viewed as a key factor in the team’s resurgence. Anzalone suggested that Chicago’s rise was the result of both coaching influence and defensive improvement, allowing the team to compete at a higher level within the division. Meanwhile, Detroit’s decline highlighted how quickly competitive balance can shift in the NFL when coaching changes alter team identity. The Lions’ fall from first to last place underscored that volatility. The contrasting outcomes between the two teams have intensified scrutiny on offseason decisions, particularly those involving high-profile coaching moves within the same division.