Yet another Lions assistant coach is leaving for another team in 2025. The latest such coach is tight ends coach Steve Heiden. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Heiden is joining Aaron Glenn in New York as the new offensive line coach for the Jets.
Heiden coached the tight ends in Detroit for two seasons. He came to Detroit in 2023 after ten years in Arizona coaching special teams, tight ends and offensive line. Heiden played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He was drafted in the third round by the San Diego Chargers in 1999 out of South Dakota State and played three seasons before spending eight years in Cleveland.
Heiden will replace Keith Carter, who coached the Jets’ offensive line for two seasons.
In addition to Glenn and Heiden, the Lions have also lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (Bears head coach), wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El (Bears assistant head coach/wide receiver), assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett (Bears quarterbacks coach) and defensive line coach Terrell Williams (Patriots defensive coordinator).
Passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand could also be leaving as is in play to become Glenn’s offensive coordinator with the Jets — Glenn has hired Steve Wilks as his defensive coordinator and defensive play-caller.
Detroit was able to keep offensive line coach/run game coordinator Hank Fraley, who was in play to be the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, as well as quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell.
Other new additions and promotions on the staff include new offensive coordinator John Morton (Broncos pass game coordinator), defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard (promoted from linebackers coach), defensive run game coordinator/defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers (Buccaneers DL/defensive run game coordinator) and linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton (promoted from assistant linebackers coach).