Training camp buzz confirms what Lions fans already knew about new coordinators

The Detroit Lions have experienced some major turnover this offseason, and it's turnover that some anticipated could lead to a drop off in their production from 2024. With Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn firing on all cylinders, the Lions looked Super Bowl bound - prior to several key injuries keeping them from that goal, of course.

As we enter the 2025 preseason this week, we can begin to dissect just how well new offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard appear to be meshing with a very similar roster to 2024. So far, the returns are positive.

Players like Jared Goff and Jameson Williams have already shared with media that Morton's playcalling and leadership in camp have gotten them excited for the season. Sheppard has done nothing but praise his defenders in camp, showing his investment in the unit as the former linebackers coach grows even more familiar with his personnel.

Now, NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales has shared her takeaways from watching Lions training camp on Monday morning, telling her colleagues in a stand up that “This thing has become a well-oiled machine under Dan Campbell.”

People are talking habitually about these coordinator changes. You lose Ben Johnson, and all of a sudden Johnny Morton steps in. You lose Aaron Glenn, and all of a sudden Kelvin Sheppard steps in. Zero drop off. Same personnel in many respect, and obviously they've added some pieces. But, they feel really good about the continuity, and they feel good about how fine tuned this thing is. I was just talking to somebody in the league who was here at the start of camp, and when you look at some new regimes in the NFL, and you consider this regime, Dan has this thing marching in a really strong and very direct and very intentional sort of flow.Dales during NFL Network report

READ MORE: Matthew Judon addition would make major sense for Lions to strengthen pass rush

Preseason games aren't going to reveal much beyond just how well the front office drafted this past spring, but it'll show some of the work that Morton and Sheppard have been doing with their second and third string units. Even without first team reps in preseason, though, we've gotten camp reps to prove just how well both coordinators have done so far to prepare the eager Detroit veterans on the roster.

Continuity is one of the best things an NFL team can hold onto if they're contenders. Having familiar personnel can help to build upon already elite chemistry formed in prior seasons. Players like Goff, St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and other mainstay Lions players have to be extremely motivated headed into yet another "prove it" year alongside these new and hungry coordinators.

More Lions news and analysis