The Detroit Lions are deep into their offseason, but they’ve encountered some setbacks regarding familiar faces returning.
This isn’t just any ordinary offseason for the franchise—it’s one of the most pivotal in their history. While most of their roster remains intact, the coaching staff is undergoing a major transformation, and how things unfold by September will be intriguing to watch.
Unfortunately, the Lions have seen several key coaches depart for new opportunities. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has joined the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now with the New York Jets. Adding to the losses, the team has now seen a significant departure from their front office.
Another Departure for Detroit
On February 14, ESPN analyst Adam Schefter reported that Mike Martin, the Lions’ director of scouting advancement, is leaving Detroit to become Notre Dame’s new general manager.
The role of general manager is relatively new in college football, emerging due to the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal, making the sport more akin to the professional level. As a result, demand for the
The Detroit Lions are well into their offseason, but they’ve been met with some unfortunate news regarding key personnel.
This isn’t just any offseason—it’s one of the most significant in the team’s history. While most of the roster remains intact, the coaching staff is undergoing a major overhaul, making the upcoming season an intriguing one to watch.
Key Departures Shake Up the Team
The Lions have already lost several key coaches, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson heading to the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn taking over as the New York Jets’ head coach. Now, the front office has suffered a notable loss as well.
On February 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Mike Martin, the Lions’ director of scouting advancement, is leaving Detroit to become Notre Dame’s new general manager.
The general manager position is a relatively new role in college football, emerging as a response to NIL deals and the transfer portal, which have made the collegiate game resemble the professional level. As a result, the position has become increasingly sought after.
Schefter announced on X, “Notre Dame is finalizing a deal to hire Detroit Lions Director of Scouting Advancement Mike Martin as the school’s new general manager, per source.” He also noted that “Martin was part of Detroit’s initial front office staff that helped rebuild the Lions’ roster. Now Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman is bringing Martin to South Bend to implement an NFL-style approach.”
Martin, who joined the Lions in 2021 as one of general manager Brad Holmes’ first hires, played a key role in talent evaluation. Prior to his time in Detroit, he worked with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.
Stability Amid the Changes
Despite the departures, not everyone is leaving Detroit. Following Glenn’s move to the Jets, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to defensive coordinator.
Sheppard confirmed in an interview with Dan Miller of Fox 2 that he had other offers but chose to remain with the Lions. He cited head coach Dan Campbell’s trust and support as the primary reason for staying, saying, “It would have been almost impossible to take another job, no matter what.”
He also expressed gratitude toward Campbell, stating, “The belief system he’s had in me since day one when I met him in 2014 as a player has carried over into my coaching career.”
While the Lions have lost some key figures, their core leadership remains strong, providing a sense of continuity as they prepare for the upcoming season.
