If Dan Campbell and the Lions make changes, these are the 5 coaches who are probably safe

These five Lions coaches probably don’t have to worry about their spots right now.

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer

Dec 26, 2025 1:35 PM EST

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions’ season is over. Yeah, they have one more game to play, but it’s over. After the Lions’ embarrassing loss to the Vikings on Christmas, Lions head coach Dan Campbell signaled that some major changes could be coming. That could mean that some changes to the coaching staff could be coming. With that in mind, we looked over the coaching staff, and here are five coaches who are probably safe.

Offensive line coach Hank Fraley

It’s easy to look at how bad this offensive line has played lately and put that on Fraley, but it’s pretty shortsighted because what can you really do with third-string guys, guys playing hurt, and guys who maybe shouldn’t be playing anymore? The Lions are likely to have a big reset on their offensive line this offseason, and you have to make sure you have one of the best offensive line coaches in the game heading up that change. For that reason, he’s probably safe.

Running backs coach Tashard Choice

Jahmyr Gibbs had a huge season until that offensive line completely collapsed, and Choice had a lot to do with that. Some might point at David Montgomery getting less carries and that being a failure, but there’s just so much more nuance to that. The Lions have been put in a position where they really couldn’t run the ball as much as they did last year because they didn’t have the big leads this year. That affected a lot of Montgomery’s duties.

Wide receivers coach/Assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery

The Lions were able to get a lot out of their receivers this year. Two 1,000-yard guys, and Isaac TeSlaa’s growth has been solid, even if he didn’t play as much as you’d want him to. Montgomery has been a solid voice on this coaching staff for years. It’s really hard to see him going anywhere.

Quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell

A crucial guy to have around. He helped rebuild Jared Goff’s career, and he’ll likely have a big role in the development of the Lions’ quarterback of the future. He is a must-keep.

Linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton

The Lions know what they have here. They have a rising star on their coaching staff, and no matter what happens with Kevlin Sheppard, I think he should stay for what it’s worth. Hamilton is a guy who is on his way up and can be a defensive coordinator someday soon, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him as a head coach in the NFL someday, either. Make sure you hold onto this guy.