Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn wrapped up fantastic seasons as offensive and defensive coordinators for the Lions in 2024, helping the team to a 15-win regular season and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As a result, both are getting shots as head coaches, Johnson with the Chicago Bears and Glenn with the New York Jets.
Also as a result of their work this season, Johnson and Glenn were named as finalists for this season’s Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced by the NFL Thursday.
The full list of five finalists for the award are:
- Lions OC Ben Johnson
- Lions DC Aaron Glenn
- Bills OC Joe Brady
- Eagles DC Vic Fangio
- Vikings DC Brian Flores
Johnson’s offense averaged 409.5 yards per game this season. Only the Baltimore Ravens (424.9) ranked higher as a team. The Lions did rank 20th in yards per game allowed on defense, but injuries, shootouts and garbage-time stats played a factor there — think games such as the Jaguars and Titans. Despite the injuries, Glenn proved to be a leader and a coach his players trusted, which is why he was a top candidate in this coaching cycle and is now back with the team that drafted him over 30 years ago.
The winner will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, February 6 during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans.
