As the Detroit Lions continue to build their team for the 2025 season, they are encountering an unfortunate trend: the loss of key assistant coaches. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Aaron Glenn, the newly appointed head coach of the New York Jets, isn’t finished taking coaches from his former team. After bringing in Steve Heiden, the Lions’ tight ends coach, as the Jets’ new offensive line coach, Glenn is reportedly targeting pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand to become New York’s offensive coordinator.
Steve Heiden Joins Glenn in New York
Heiden’s exit is a major setback for the Lions, as he was an integral part of the coaching staff. A key member of Dan Campbell’s staff, Heiden played a significant role in developing Detroit’s tight ends and contributing to the offense’s overall progression. Now, he will join Glenn in New York, taking on the responsibility of coaching the Jets’ offensive line.
Tanner Engstrand’s Potential Departure Adds to Detroit’s Troubles
The potential departure of Tanner Engstrand would be an even bigger blow to Detroit. Engstrand, who began with the Lions in 2020 as an offensive assistant, quickly ascended through the ranks. By 2023, he had become the pass game coordinator, playing a major role in developing Detroit’s explosive offense.
Pelissero’s report indicates that Engstrand is now a frontrunner to become the Jets’ offensive coordinator, which would deal another significant loss to the Lions’ coaching staff. With Heiden and possibly Engstrand leaving, Detroit faces the challenge of replenishing its coaching staff after two successful seasons.
Aaron Glenn’s Influence Expands in New York
These coaching departures highlight that Aaron Glenn is working to establish his own version of Detroit’s offense in New York, recruiting key figures who helped contribute to the Lions’ offensive achievements. While Detroit loses valuable coaching talent, the team remains determined to find replacements that can maintain the momentum into the 2025 season.
As the coaching changes continue, the big question is how head coach Dan Campbell will rebuild the Lions’ coaching staff in the wake of these losses. Detroit’s success has made its coaching staff an attractive target for other teams, and it’s clear that more changes could be on the way.
