JOHNSON BREAKS SILENCE: Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions, makes news when he renders a decision on the Saints’ alluring coaching offer of $45.2 million… - soccerdelights.com
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JOHNSON BREAKS SILENCE: Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions, makes news when he renders a decision on the Saints’ alluring coaching offer of $45.2 million…

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JOHNSON BREAKS SILENCE: Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions, makes news when he renders a decision on the Saints’ alluring coaching offer of $45.2 million…

 

Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has garnered media attention for his response to the New Orleans Saints’ alluring coaching offer of $45.2 million. In an attempt to capitalise on Johnson’s creative offensive systems and leadership abilities, the Saints allegedly made one of the highest-paying offers in NFL history to him during their hunt for a new head coach. But in the end, Johnson, who had received a lot of notice for his work with the Lions’ potent offence, chose to decline the chance.

Speaking openly about the choice, Johnson said that although the offer was “incredibly flattering,” he chose to stay mostly because of his dedication to the Lions and his present position. Johnson said, “I think we have something special here in Detroit.” “This team is growing, and my goal is to assist us go to the next stage. There are unresolved matters that I would like to participate in.

Johnson’s choice highlights his devotion to the Lions organisation, which had helped him establish himself as one of the NFL’s most brilliant offensive thinkers, despite the enormous financial incentive. His creative play-calling and aptitude for nurturing young players have been essential in reviving the Lions’ offence, which were among the league’s best last season.

Both club officials and Lions supporters have mostly welcomed Johnson’s decision to stay with the team, seeing it as evidence of his faith in the group’s ability to succeed. All eyes will be on Johnson as he continues to guide the Lions’ offence into what could be an exciting season ahead, now that his future in Detroit is temporarily certain.

Christina Goff, Jared Goff’s wife, gets emotional as kids chant the Lions quarterback’s name

This year, Jared Goff is making a name for himself. His Detroit Lions are 10-1 and in first place in the NFC North thanks to Goff’s leadership. Lions are one of the top teams to win the Super Bowl after a great start.

Being married to the quarterback, Christen Harper (now Goff), is a huge fan of her husband. This means she can share clips of cute kids cheering Goff’s name or memories from her time at Lions games.

The Detroit Lions Football Education shared a video of elementary school kids cheering for Goff by singing his name.

For Christen, the video was the “cutest thing.”

The model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has become a part of the Lions group and often attends their events and drives for charity. Christen is helping a lot of different groups with kids and people in need. She is also at a lot of different pregame events planned for their community with the wives and girlfriends of Lions players.

Following Jared Goff’s 4-TD win over the Jaguars, Christen Goff was filled with joy.

The Lions beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 52–6 and Christen made sure to post a picture of the moment on Instagram.

Christen has been with Goff since the start of his time with the Lions. The two people got married in a small ceremony in California in 2024.

A magazine called Sports Illustrated asked Christen about her connection.

“At the time, I really wasn’t looking for anything. I did not want to be with anyone for a year after ending a long-term romance. “After I met him, everything else is history,” Christen Harper said.

If you want Christen to keep pulling for her husband and the Lions, the playoffs are coming up soon.

NFL player Ben Johnson finally says that he doesn’t want to be a head coach.

Ben Johnson got a lot of attention as a possible head coach possibility after just one season as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. After his second season in 2023, it seemed inevitable that he would get a job.

But, shockingly, that didn’t happen. Johnson chose to stay in Detroit for at least another year, and he will now be in his third season as the offensive coordinator for the team.

What made Johnson decide to stay in Detroit instead of moving on?

Johnson talked about staying with the Lions for the first time since it was decided he would. On Thursday, he said that one big reason he was staying was to keep winning in Detroit.

Johnson said, “So in 2021 and early 2022, he told the team that we were sailing down the ocean and at that very moment, we were in the Arctic.” “We were running into icebergs, there were storms, and it was dark.” However, he could see ahead of time where we were going and where we were moving. “Guys, I see where we’re going,” he told us. The results aren’t quite there yet, but the Caribbean is coming up soon. It’s almost time. As I sit here on the plane, I remember that. I’ve spent a lot of my time living in the Arctic. This is my second trip to the playoffs, and the first time I’d won a game in the playoffs. If I had to choose, I think I would have liked the sun for a little longer. “I like what we’ve made here.”

Johnson also said that when he does become a head coach, he wants to be in the right position. As it turns out, that situation did not come up this time.

Johnson said, “Listen, there are a lot of reasons and dynamics that play a part.” It really hits home for me that there were eight jobs last year. How many people will still have jobs in three years? What is the over-under? The odds are 4.5 to 1, and I think five of them will be unemployed in three years. So, from that point of view, if I have the chance to go that way, it’s about how to get to that second deal. How do I get ready? Things need to line up. I’m not going to do it just because I can. I really enjoy what I’m doing now. When I’m with my family, we all love where we are and the people we’re with. I won’t go down the other road until I’m sure I know how it will turn out.

He also said, “It’s ownership, it’s staff, and it’s my vision of how I can make it work with who I am.” “Like, I love calling plays.” I’d want to be a play-calling head coach if I became a head coach. Okay, so there is only so much time during the week. What will it look like from Monday to Sunday in that way? I just want to make sure everything is set. And listen, everyone who gets that job has to go through a time of getting used to it. They’re picking things up as they go. But I believe you have the best chance if you set more goals that you are proud of. Someone and I were just talking about this the other day. They said, “Man, the longer you’re the coordinator chair, the better you’re prepared for the next step if it ever comes down the pike.” For me, I don’t think I’m hurting my chances or my skills to become a head teacher in the future. “I love what I’m doing now.”

The fact that Johnson chose to stay with the Lions while the Washington Commanders were on a plane going to meet him again was one of the stories that came out of his campaign.

After, Johnson got a lot of bad press, which he was used to after it was said that he made big requests in his contract. He also talked about that and said that many of the rumours that were going around were not true.

“I thought there were some false stories going around,” Johnson said. “They started around the end of last year, before I decided to pull out.” “That’s just the way things are.” That’s fine with me. That’s just how things are in the NFL, so it doesn’t bother me. I care about the people around me. It makes me sad that my family would read things that aren’t always true, but they did a great job with it. In that case, help staff is there.

“I think it helps me sleep at night to know what happened, how it happened, and why it happened.” That’s fine with me. The people I care about most also know who I am and what I’m about. That’s why everything is okay.

Anyhow, that doesn’t really matter in the end. If Johnson keeps doing well like he has the last two seasons, he will be liked in Detroit and teams will keep looking for him when spots come up.

Mike Moraitis

First, Mike Moraitis worked for Bleacher Report. Since then, he has written about the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Along with his work at Sporting News, Mike is also the chief editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.

The veteran Lions CB reaches a significant milestone in his comeback and is prepared for even more

 

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Detroit Lions

Lions Fans Don’t Like What’s Being Said About Dan Campbell

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Lions Fans Don’t Like What’s Being Said About Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is getting some criticism, and followers of the team aren’t going to accept it.
Detroit Lions fans are very loyal, and they’ve been through a lot with this team. It takes a special kind of loyalty to passionately support a team that has yet to make it to the Super Bowl.

Now, Lions fans aren’t happy about some criticism beloved coach Dan Campbell is getting about his aggressive play calling. It goes without saying that Campbell is known for being a very aggressive player caller and “going for it” on fourth down a lot. That’s just part of his DNA, and Lions fans largely accept and embrace that. But, going for the jugular in difficult situations can also put Campbell in a situation to get criticized by NFL experts and analysts more than other coaches who play it safe.

Lions ‘Go for It Too Much’
Professional sports handicapper Steve Fezzik appeared on the Thursday, March 27 edition of the “Even Money Podcast” with Ross Tucker. On the show, the topic of Campbell’s play calling came up, and Fezzik didn’t hold back about his thoughts on the coach’s decisions. Fezzik even went so far to say that he thinks that aggressive play calling will catch up with the Lions in the upcoming season.

“So, the Lions are like (pro poker player) Chris Moneymaker. They directionally figured it out before the rest of the NFL: We want to go for it. We want to go for it way more than the rest of the league,” he said on the show. “So, they had an advantage, but they’re not optimal. They make bad decisions. They go for it too much.”

He continued, stating that the Lions “go for it fourth-and-goal from the six, because Dan Campbell just decides, ‘That’s what we do.’ They go for it when they’re up 14 in the playoffs, when they could kick a field goal to go up 17 against San Francisco (in the NFC Championship Game) late in the third quarter. Mistake.”

That call in the San Francisco game will haunt the Lions forever, won’t it? But, Fezzik wasn’t done.

“Given that and given these other NFL teams who were sissies and weren’t aggressive enough have moved more to optimality and the Lions are too aggressive,” he said, “the Lions will actually have a disadvantage, in my opinion, this year versus a lot of teams.”

Lions Enthusiasts Sock It to the Critics
Fans came to the defense of Campbell, because they’re obviously very protective of the coach.

“So when Dan Campbell goes for it it’s reckless but when other coaches do it it’s well thought out and a brilliant decision,” one stated.

“Uninformed opinions are still opinions, I guess. Steve is still wrong,” another commented.

“You clearly don’t watch Lions games. Stop talking about them if you don’t really understand how they operate,” one more stated.

Another asserted that, “This fool knows nothing about Dan Campbell.”

We likely won’t know if Campbell ever hears about Fezzik’s remarks and, if so, what he thinks of them. But, regardless, Campbell likely isn’t going to change his aggressive play calling, “Dan Gamble,” ways.

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The Detroit lions former head coach Darrell Bevell is currently the Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins sends a shocking message to the current lion’s coaching staff, specifically to Dan Campbell that…

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The Detroit lions former head coach Darrell Bevell is currently the Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins sends a shocking message to the current lion’s coaching staff, specifically to Dan Campbell that…

The Detroit lions former head coach Darrell Bevell is currently the Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins sends a shocking message to the current lion’s coaching staff, specifically to Dan Campbell that…
March 27, 2025 – Miami, FL
In an unexpected turn of events, Darrell Bevell, the former head coach of the Detroit Lions, who now serves as the Quarterbacks/Pass Game Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, has sent a stunning message to the current coaching staff in Detroit.

Sources confirm that Bevell, who coached the Lions for a brief period in 2020 before being replaced by Dan Campbell, reached out directly to Campbell, offering candid thoughts on the current state of the team. In his message, Bevell expressed his concerns regarding the direction the Lions are heading under Campbell’s leadership and made a bold recommendation for the franchise’s future approach.

While the specifics of the message remain confidential, insiders reveal that Bevell, a veteran coach with extensive experience in offensive strategy, had strong opinions on the Lions’ offensive playcalling, quarterback development, and overall team management. His comments are said to have been both constructive and critical, focusing on potential improvements and how the Lions could better capitalize on their young talent.

Bevell’s connection with the Lions remains strong, despite his departure from the team. He was integral in developing the offensive system during his time as offensive coordinator and head coach, especially in mentoring quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions, under Campbell, have made significant strides in recent seasons, but Bevell’s message suggests that he believes they still have untapped potential.

It is unclear how Campbell and the rest of the coaching staff will respond to Bevell’s comments, but his unexpected communication is sure to stir conversation within the organization. Fans are eager to see if this message has any impact on the Lions’ future plans or if it will serve as a catalyst for potential changes within the coaching staff or offensive approach.

Bevell’s words may also have an interesting ripple effect in Miami, where he now works with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His role in Miami’s offensive game plan has already been praised, with many expecting his expertise to help elevate the Dolphins’ offense in the upcoming season.

As this developing story unfolds, all eyes will be on Detroit to see how this unexpected message from Bevell influences the Lions’ trajectory in 2025.

 

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Lions Predicted to Help Jared Goff With Superstar Addition

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Lions Predicted to Help Jared Goff With Superstar Addition

The Detroit Lions are being urged to pick up a player who could really help Jared Goff on the field in the 2025 season.
Even though the regular season of the NFL doesn’t kick off until September, each day, it seems there’s more breaking news about the Detroit Lions and what they’re doing to gear up for their 2025 run.

Overall, the Detroit Lions are on target to be a very different team in 2025. Sure, some of the big pieces are still there, such as Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes, Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the team is also parting ways with plenty of players, as well as coaches.

Now, the Lions are being urged to bring on a particular player who they could pair with Goff for a deep run next season.

Lions Urged to Pick Player Up With ‘Five-Star Athleticism’
The Lions already have some stellar wide receivers in St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but one can never have too much depth. Besides, it could be too late to snag a good wide receiver mid-season, if injuries occur.

In a mock draft, published March 19 by CBS Sports, NFL analyst and expert Chris Trapasso suggests the Lions picked up Missouri Tigers wideout Luther Burden III with the No. 28 overall pick.

“Don’t let Burden’s 2024 stats fool you – he’s a premier receiver prospect with upside galore,” Trapasso notes in the feature.

Burden is coming off a strong 2024, clocking 61 catches, 676 yards and six touchdowns. He had a better 2023, with 86 receptions, 1,212 and nine touchdowns. During his three seasons in college, Burden notched 2,263 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns.

In a scouting report from the NFL, analyst Lance Zierlein calls Burden a “five-star recruit who offers five-star athleticism and playmaking ability.”

The scouting report also calls Burden a “natural on the field with above-average speed and exciting ball skills to win at a high rate.”

“He takes snaps off and short-circuits routes if he’s not the primary option,” Zierlein adds, “but he can separate and succeed on all three levels when it’s his time.”

When it comes to whichever NFL team picks up Burden, Zierlein says, “NFL teams are much more likely to diversify his usage, activating his complete skill set and big-play potential. The production against top teams was uneven at times but so was Missouri’s quarterback play. Burden checks several priority boxes that typically foreshadow an impressive NFL career.”

So, Burden could be yet another great piece of the puzzle when it comes to the Lions’ offense. Considering how many injuries the team had last season, it could only help to have some major added depth in the wide receiver position.

Some Criticism of Luther Burden III
Not everyone is so hot on Burden. Back in February, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. stated why he believes Burden isn’t a first-round lock.

“He was the guy that people couldn’t handle. So, you expected this year for an improvement to basically happen and, all of a sudden, Luther Burden III is a top-ten pick in the NFL Draft. Didn’t happen. He was quiet in some of those games. Theo Wease Jr. was the guy they went to.”

ESPN’s Field Yates added, “I’m getting the same vibe right now – maybe late first for Luther Burden III. Based off what he put on tape this year, and based off some of the questions that scouts have right now? He’s not a lock to go in the first round.”

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Lions Get Best News Ever on Aidan Hutchinson

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Lions Get Best News Ever on Aidan Hutchinson

The new Detroit Lions season is still a few months away, but the Detroit Lions are already getting good news on Aidan Hutchinson.
Last year was a mixed bag for the Detroit Lions. The team had a fantastic season and snagged the No. 1 seed going into the playoffs, but they lost early and hard to the Washington Commanders, plus they were without one of their star players, Aidan Hutchinson, for much for the season.

Now, the Lions are grappling with the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. But, all is not lost, and the team has some good news regarding Hutch.

Aidan Hutchinson Prediction is Major
Hutchinson, a University of Michigan product, fractured his tibia in October of last season, and he often promised that if the Detroit Lions made it to the final game, he’d be well enough to play in it. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but at least it gives the edge more time to recover and come back next season stronger than ever. They say that what doesn’t break you makes you stronger, and that could very well be the case with Hutchinson.

ESPN senior writer and expert Mike Clay actually predicts that Hutchinson will be the most productive defensive end in the entire league in 2025 when it comes to fantasy points.

Clay predicts that Hutchinson will have 59 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a massive 16.7 sacks for the season. It’s the kind of display that the Lions could have seen in 2024, if Hutchinson didn’t get injured. Those projections equal 186.6 fantasy points, which is the highest for any edge defender. That high 16.7 sack projection total is also the highest in the NFL.

The Status of Aidan Hutchinson’s Return
So, how ready will Hutchinson be come September? According to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who spoke with reporters at the 2025 NFL Combine, Hutchinson should be back at full health and a significant part of the team’s defense in 2025.

“That guy was having a phenomenal year,” Sheppard said, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “That guy’s willing to drop into coverage if it deems they’re turning three people in protection to him. He’ll drop out without hesitation and understand the coverage aspect of it, want to pour into that. So I have full faith in Hutch.”

He added that he has “full confidence” that Hutchinson is going to be healthy again. Sheppard also gave Hutchinson some compliments that go beyond what he does on the field to the kind of person he is off the field.

“Hutch is a dynamic player, but he’s a better person,” he said, then sharing a story about how Hutchinson welcomed him into the fold. “That’s what I tell people. He was one of the first people to reach out to me, just congratulate me. Fired up. Couldn’t wait for the opportunity. It’s humbling to hear guys like him (say), ‘We want to do this for you.’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s my job to do this for y’all.’”

As a brand new defensive coordinator, Sheppard is probably relieved to have a guy like Hutchinson on his squad.

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Detroit Lions Predicted to Make Big Jared Goff Move

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Detroit Lions Predicted to Make Big Jared Goff Move

The Detroit Lions could help quarterback Jared Goff by making a major move that would beef up the offense.

The 2025 free agency period has been a wild one already, and the Detroit Lions are no exception. It’s safe to say that the team will look very different next season, and Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes and company are bringing on new players and cutting others loose to free up some funds.

One of the positions that could use an added boost is wide receiver. While the Lions have two solid guys in this position with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Tim Patrick, they could use some added depth, and it would really help franchise quarterback Jared Goff.

Detroit Lions Could Snag Free Agent Vet to Help Jared Goff
In a March 12 feature for Sports Illustrated, NFL analyst and expert Christian Booher says that he believes Detroit should snag free agent receiver Tyler Lockett. In fact, Lockett could be the perfect match for Goff.

“Lockett is one of the most productive wide receivers still on the board, and could be a big weapon for Detroit’s offense,” Booher states. “Most of his production has come from the slot, which is a position that Amon-Ra St. Brown currently handles for the Lions.”

He added, “However, St. Brown has the versatility to kick outside in the event that the team were to add Lockett. He’d be worth a shot on a one-year contract that would allow the Lions to see if they could maximize his talent in his age-33 season.”

The Seattle Seahawks released Lockett on March 5 following his 10 seasons with the team. It’s rare to see someone stick with a team for so long, but Lockett had been one of their landmark players up until last year. During the 2024 season, he had only 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns during 17 games.

Tyler Lockett By the Numbers
Lockett, who played at Kansas State, didn’t have the best season in 2024 and he’s getting older, but he still has plenty of promise. That’s not to mention how having a veteran of his status as part of the Lions’ offense could help the rookies. Lockett posted four consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns from 2019 to 2022, and he also had 79 receptions for 894 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

“His production has dipped off in recent years, with the 2024 season being his lowest amount of receiving yards since his second NFL season,” Booher noted. “However, he’d be worth a shot on a one-year contract that would allow the Lions to see if they could maximize his talent in his age-33 season.”

It goes without saying that Lockett could have a revitalized season with the Lions, and the best news is that he wouldn’t cost too much. If the Lions were to sign him, Spotrac predicts the veteran would get a one-year contract worth $7.7 million. Right now, according to Over the Cap, Detroit has about $52.8 million in cap space.

So, while the Lions have some strong wide receivers in St. Brown, Williams and Patrick, it never hurts to have more depth, especially in a crucial position such as this one. Adding the former Seahawk to John Morton’s offense could be just the move the Lions need to make to keep their offense one of the best in the league.

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