What’s up with it! “Detroit Lions Coordinators Have Been Overlooked for Head Coaching Jobs for Decades—When Was the Last Time One Made the Leap?”…

What’s up with it! “Detroit Lions Coordinators Have Been Overlooked for Head Coaching Jobs for Decades—When Was the Last Time One Made the Leap?”…

The Detroit Lions have had a somewhat turbulent history when it comes to coaching changes, and one aspect that stands out is the rarity of their coordinators being promoted directly to head coaching positions elsewhere.

The franchise has often struggled to maintain consistent success, and that struggle has been reflected in the turnover of coaching staff over the years.

However, it’s interesting to look at the historical context of the Lions’ coaching staff and why it has been so rare for coordinators to leave the team and secure head coaching gigs elsewhere.

The Coaching Carousel at Detroit

One of the main reasons for the lack of movement with Lions’ coordinators is the lack of sustained success.

Teams that are highly successful, especially those that make deep playoff runs, often have coordinators who are in high demand for head coaching jobs.

However, the Lions’ ups and downs have meant that their coordinators haven’t typically been on the radar for such opportunities.

For example, many of the Lions’ most notable coordinators over the years, such as Jim Caldwell, Mike Martz, or even Scott Linehan, stayed with the team for extended periods without landing head coaching jobs elsewhere.

It wasn’t necessarily due to a lack of talent, but rather a reflection of the franchise’s struggles to consistently build a playoff contender.

It’s a cyclical problem — if a team isn’t performing at a high level, their coordinators aren’t likely to be seen as viable head coach candidates.

The Rise of Other Teams’ Coordinators

In contrast, teams like the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers have had coordinators regularly being tapped for head coaching jobs.

Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, for instance, had several opportunities to become a head coach, including a brief stint as the Denver Broncos head coach, while Chiefs’ offensive mind Andy Reid has seen his assistants, such as Eric Bieniemy, getting interviews for top jobs.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, even the Lions’ top coordinators haven’t necessarily received much attention in the broader league when it comes to head coach promotions.

The Lions’ Leadership Model

Detroit’s front office and ownership haven’t always been known for their willingness to make bold decisions, including promoting from within.

Historically, the Lions have hired head coaches from outside their organization, which further reduces the likelihood of one of their coordinators being given an opportunity to lead elsewhere.

For example, when the Lions have had success with coordinators like Joe Barry or Teryl Austin, who served as defensive coordinators, they weren’t pursued for head coaching roles in the same way coordinators from successful franchises were.

This can be attributed to the nature of the team’s overall struggles, overshadowing individual performances or potential.

The Lack of Sustained Success

In any discussion of why Detroit’s coordinators haven’t moved on to head coaching roles, the team’s inability to build sustained success has to be acknowledged.

The franchise has made several playoff appearances since the turn of the century but has not been able to consistently contend for championships, which impacts the perception of the coaching staff. If a coordinator doesn’t have a winning culture around them, their individual success is often overshadowed by the broader failures of the team.

In contrast, teams like the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Green Bay Packers have long-running success, and when a coordinator in those organizations does well, they are seen as credible head coaching candidates.

The Lions, on the other hand, have not had the same level of consistency and, as a result, have seen fewer of their coordinators move on to head coaching roles elsewhere.

The Case for Change in Detroit

Looking to the future, however, the Lions seem to be changing their approach. With recent improvements under head coach Dan Campbell and a rejuvenated coaching staff, there is a real sense of optimism surrounding the team.

Campbell, who has garnered significant respect as a head coach, has begun to instill a winning culture that could elevate the prospects of coordinators under his watch.

For instance, coordinators like Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator, have garnered a lot of attention for the work they’ve done in revitalizing Detroit’s offense.

Johnson’s innovative schemes and success in developing quarterback Jared Goff have made him a potential candidate for head coaching roles in the future.

If the Lions continue their upward trajectory and have sustained success, it could open the door for their coordinators to land head coaching positions in the coming years.

In conclusion, the rarity of Detroit Lions coordinators leaving for head coaching jobs can largely be attributed to the team’s lack of sustained success and its overall leadership structure.

However, as the franchise moves forward, there are signs of improvement, and it’s possible that the next era of Lions football will see its coordinators receive more opportunities at head coaching positions both within and outside the organization.

For the first time in a long while, the Lions’ coaching staff seems poised for recognition on the broader NFL stage.