Detroit Lions open July 2025 training camp with big news: Jahmyr Gibbs is set for an expanded receiving role. Get the latest on the new-look Lions offense.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The quiet of the offseason officially ended in Allen Park today as Detroit Lions rookies reported for the start of 2025 training camp. While the familiar roar of Dan Campbell's voice will echo through the facility, this is a decidedly new-look Lions team. With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, a fresh crop of rookies, and the specter of Frank Ragnow's retirement, the mission is clear: prove that last season wasn't a fluke and that the Super Bowl window is still wide open.
'I'm being split out, I guess, like the way more than I was in the past two years.' - Jahmyr Gibbs
The most electrifying news out of Day 1 came from running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who revealed a significant expansion of his role in the offense. 'I'm being split out, I guess, like the way more than I was in the past two years,' Gibbs told reporters. After a stellar 2024 season where he snagged 52 passes for 517 yards and 4 TDs, the thought of him becoming an even more versatile weapon is terrifying for opposing defenses. Under new OC John Morton, expect to see Gibbs used creatively in the passing game, creating mismatches alongside the established trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. This isn't just about replacing production; it's about evolving the league's most explosive offense.
For the first time in the Campbell era, the Lions will have new play-callers on both sides of the ball. Ben Johnson (Bears) and Aaron Glenn (Jets) cashed in on the team's success, leaving big shoes to fill. John Morton, promoted from passing game coordinator, now takes the reins of the offense, tasked with maintaining its elite status. On defense, the fiery Kelvin Sheppard gets his well-deserved promotion to defensive coordinator. The changes don't stop there, with Scottie Montgomery shifting from RBs to WRs coach while retaining his assistant head coach title. This coaching overhaul is the biggest test yet for Campbell's culture, as he'll need this new group to gel quickly.
The front office has been busy. The 'ambitious' offseason saw the Lions lose Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to a tough retirement and CB Carlton Davis III in free agency. However, they brought in veteran corner D.J. Reed to solidify the secondary. More importantly, they get a massive piece back: star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, whose return from a season-ending injury is arguably the team's biggest offseason addition. He'll be joined by a new draft class headlined by DT Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) and OL Tate Ratledge (Georgia), who will be counted on to contribute immediately as the Lions retool for another deep playoff run.
With an early start thanks to the Hall of Fame game on July 31, every rep in Allen Park will be magnified. Can John Morton replicate Ben Johnson's magic? Can Kelvin Sheppard elevate the defense? Will the rookies and a healthy Aidan Hutchinson be enough to offset key losses? The journey to answer those questions—and get back to the Super Bowl—starts now. The pieces are different, but the goal remains the same.
