The Detroit Lions remain in contention for a Super Bowl, with a roster and trajectory that suggest they’re still in the hunt. However, as seasoned NFL watchers know, the window to win it all can close abruptly.
Despite entering last season as a trendy Super Bowl pick, the Lions’ campaign ended earlier than expected with a surprising 45–31 defeat to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round.
Since that loss, the team has undergone several pivotal changes. Most notably, both coordinators — Aaron Glenn on defense and Ben Johnson on offense — have taken head coaching jobs, with Glenn heading to the New York Jets and Johnson joining the Chicago Bears.
Key contributors from last season’s roster have also departed. Defensively, the Lions are now without Carlton Davis III, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Za’Darius Smith, Kindle Vildor, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Jonah Williams. On the offensive side, the team said goodbye to lineman Kevin Zeitler. Tight end James Mitchell, special teamer Maurice Alexander, and Jonah Williams were among those lost to free agency.
Chris Simms weighed in on the situation during a recent appearance on the Pro Football Talk/NFL on NBC podcast. “The Lions are absolutely still in that Super Bowl conversation,” he said. “I’d say they’re one of the top five teams in the league.” Simms also ranked the Eagles as his top NFC team, with the Lions or Rams potentially sitting just behind them — alongside the emerging Commanders.
However, both Simms and co-host Mike Florio agreed that the most significant losses may not be on the field, but rather on the sidelines. Simms emphasized how much a good coordinator can cover up roster gaps and amplify a team’s strengths.
“Last year, Detroit didn’t struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks — not necessarily because of elite edge rushers, but because Aaron Glenn found ways to manufacture pressure creatively,” Simms explained. “That kind of tactical savvy made a big difference.”
Simms questioned whether the new coaching staff can replicate that kind of impact. “When injuries happen or a starter is unavailable, will these new coordinators have the same ability to adapt and elevate the unit’s performance?” he asked. “I’m not sounding the alarm, but I am curious. I want to see how they handle real adversity because the guys who left were really, really good at that.”
