Former Lions Pro Bowler Lands a New Role on Dan Campbell's Staff
The Detroit Lions open the 2025 season with high expectations, and an early-season matchup against the Green Bay Packers could determine who has a share of the early advantage in the NFC North. While there are plenty of storylines in the game, one of the biggest is Dan Campbell’s new look coaching staff after losing eight assistants since the end of last year.
The departures of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are the ones that have Lions fans the most worried heading into Green Bay. But Campbell also had to plug holes elsewhere on his staff, which has him turning to former Lions Pro Bowler Don Muhlbach.
Former Pro Bowler Don Mulbach Gets Expanded Gameday Role on Lions Staff
Mulbach has been around the Lions for a long time, logging 260 games as the team’s long snapper from 2004 to 2020. A two-time Pro Bowler with selections in 2012 and 2018, Muhlbach became a special assistant to the team president after his retirement and Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon noted that it was not uncommon to see him on the practice field helping special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
Those roles were expanded this week when Campbell tabbed Muhlbach to replace Jon Dykema’s role of being Campbell’s in-game management helper. The role was left vacant as Dykema left for the Jacksonville Jaguars this spring and includes helping Campbell’s decision to throw challenge flags after a play.
“He does a ton, and has done a ton, since he was hired here helping on special teams,” Campbell said via Risdon. “He wears a ton of different hats. … It just felt like this was going to be the right fit. He’s got a pretty good grasp, pretty good feel of what I want. And I also know he’s got conviction about him when he sees something or believes something.”
Having a new voice in Campbell’s ear could do him wonders. In his 20 career challenges as a head coach, nine have been overturned according to Pro Football Reference. Although last season was the first in his career where he had more challenges overturned (3) than upheld (2).
Regardless of the results, Campbell wanted someone who was assertive when making the decision on whether to throw the flag. It remains to be seen whether Muhlbach’s assignment will pay off but Campbell seems confident the move will work out.
Lions Officially Announce Massive Jameson Williams Contract Extension
On Sunday morning, the day of their season-opening matchup against their division-rival Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions officially announced their massive contract extension for WR Jameson Williams. The speedster wide receiver and former first-round pick was a big part of Detroit’s offense last season, and now he’s locked up for the foreseeable future.
According to NFL inside Jordan Schultz on Saturday, the Lions signed Williams to a three-year deal worth up to $83 million on the eve of the season. The extension officially keeps Williams under contract through 2029, as he was still on the fourth year of his rookie contract this season and could have played on the fifth-year option in 2026.
Schultz adds that the deal carries $67 million in guarantees, a hefty number. The $27.6 million in average annual value ranks 13th in the league among wide receivers, just above the Bears’ D.J. Moore and just under the Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle.
“The Lions have signed WR Jameson Williams to a contract extension,” the team’s press release reads. “Among all NFL players in 2024, he tied for 1st in 50+ yard catches (five) & was 2nd in receiving average (17.3). Among all NFL WRs with 50+ catches last year, he ranked 1st in YAC/reception (8.6).”
Jameson Williams Had a Breakout Season in 2024
Mike Mulholland/GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Jameson Williams #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a first down during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 05, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
It wasn’t a banner start to his career for Williams. The former star at Alabama in college was the No. 12 overall pick in 2022. The Lions paid a steep price to get him, trading a first-rounder (No. 32), a second-rounder (No. 34), and a third-rounder for the No. 2 pick and a lower second-rounder (No. 46). Detroit had already used a first-round pick that year on OT Penei Sewell (No. 7).
Williams was recovering from an ACL tear as a rookie and only played in six games, logging a single reception. But that one catch went for 41 yards and a touchdown, flashing his high-level potential as a game-breaking speed threat.
With just 24 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, many were wondering if the Lions had made a mistake drafting Williams so high. But he put those concerns to rest in a breakout 2024 campaign, when he had 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns, adding an important field-stretching ability to the Lions offense.
The Detroit Lions Offense Will Have Some New Pieces This Season
The high-flying Lions offense will have some new elements this season. Star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, taking his ingenuity and creativity with him. Internal promotion John Morton has big shoes to fill, but the team has every confidence in him.
Along the offensive line, C Frank Ragnow retired and G Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans in free agency. Graham Glasgow slides over to center to replace Ragnow, while rookie second-rounder Tate Ratledge steps in at RG for Zeitler.
Despite the new faces, this Lions offense should remain one of the NFL’s best — even if it looks a little different.
