**Lions’ Star Amon-Ra St. Brown Drops Honest Truth Bomb on Detroit Lions’ New Coordinators**
The Detroit Lions are entering a new era in 2024, one filled with heightened expectations after a breakthrough 2023 season that saw them come within minutes of reaching the Super Bowl. But with change comes uncertainty, and the Lions’ coaching staff has undergone significant turnover this offseason. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the architect of Detroit’s high-powered attack, opted to stay in Motown despite head coaching interest, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s departure to become the head coach of the New Orleans Saints left a void. In their place, the Lions promoted from within, with quarterbacks coach Tanner Engstrand taking over as passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend stepping into the defensive coordinator role.
While fans and analysts debate whether these moves will maintain—or even elevate—Detroit’s success, one voice carries significant weight: star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The All-Pro pass-catcher recently opened up about the Lions’ new coordinators in a candid interview, delivering a truth bomb that should excite Lions fans.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been the heartbeat of Detroit’s offense since his rookie season, evolving into one of the NFL’s most reliable and dynamic receivers. His chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff has been a driving force behind the Lions’ resurgence, and he has a deep understanding of what makes the offense click. When asked about Tanner Engstrand’s promotion, St. Brown didn’t hold back his enthusiasm.
*“Tanner’s been a huge part of our offense for a while now,”* St. Brown said. *“People might not know his name like they knew Ben [Johnson], but trust me, he’s been in the lab with us, breaking down coverages, helping install plays, and finding ways to get guys open. He knows this system inside and out, and he’s got his own wrinkles he’s bringing to the table.”*
Engstrand’s rise through the Lions’ coaching ranks has been methodical. Originally joining the staff as a tight ends coach in 2021, he quickly earned respect for his football IQ and adaptability. His promotion to passing game coordinator suggests the Lions want continuity but also innovation—something St. Brown emphasized.
*“The foundation is the same, but Tanner’s got his own flavor,”* St. Brown continued. *“He’s aggressive, he’s creative, and he understands how to exploit matchups. I think people are gonna be surprised by how smooth the transition is.”*
Perhaps the most telling part of St. Brown’s comments was his belief that Engstrand’s familiarity with the personnel will prevent any drop-off. *“He knows what Jared likes, he knows what I do well, he knows how to use [Sam] LaPorta and [Jahmyr] Gibbs. It’s not like we’re starting from scratch. We’re just refining what already works.”*
While the offense remains largely intact, the Lions’ defense is undergoing a more substantial shift with Aaron Glenn’s exit. Deshea Townsend, a former NFL cornerback with coaching experience in Chicago, Jacksonville, and New York, steps into the spotlight as Detroit’s new defensive play-caller. Given that the Lions’ defense showed flashes of dominance in 2023 but struggled with consistency, Townsend’s influence will be critical.
St. Brown, who goes against the defense daily in practice, offered an intriguing perspective on what Townsend brings to the table.
*“Deshea’s got that DB mentality—he’s all about competition, technique, and making life hard for receivers,”* St. Brown said. *“You can tell he’s played at a high level because he sees the game through a player’s eyes. He’s not just drawing up schemes; he’s teaching guys how to win their battles.”*
Townsend inherits a unit that features rising stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Brian Branch, but also one that must improve in key areas, particularly in the secondary. St. Brown noted that Townsend’s emphasis on fundamentals and communication has already made an impact.
*“The energy’s different over there,”* he said. *“They’re flying around, talking more, challenging routes. I’ve noticed it in practice—they’re disguising coverages better, they’re more physical at the line. It’s gonna be a problem for offenses if they keep building on that.”*
One of the biggest questions surrounding Townsend is whether he can maintain the aggressive, turnover-hunting identity that Glenn instilled while shoring up Detroit’s vulnerabilities against the pass. St. Brown believes Townsend has the right approach.
*“He’s not trying to reinvent the wheel,”* St. Brown explained. *“He’s taking what worked last year and adding his own tweaks. But the main thing is, he’s holding guys accountable. If you’re not in the right spot, he’s gonna let you know. That’s how you get better.”*
Beyond his thoughts on the new coordinators, St. Brown’s comments reflect a broader confidence in the Lions’ direction. After years of irrelevance, Detroit is now a legitimate contender, and the team’s leadership—from head coach Dan Campbell to general manager Brad Holmes—has fostered a culture of high standards and relentless improvement.
*“We’re not satisfied,”* St. Brown said firmly. *“Last year was special, but we didn’t finish the job. The coaches know it, the players know it. That’s why you see the attention to detail in meetings, in practice, in everything we do. The new coordinators aren’t here to just keep things rolling—they’re here to help us take the next step.”*
His faith in Engstrand and Townsend isn’t just lip service; it’s rooted in what he’s seen firsthand. The Lions’ offense, which ranked in the top five in scoring and yards last season, has the pieces to be even more explosive. Meanwhile, the defense, if it can tighten up in critical moments, could transform from a liability into a strength.
*“We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the coaching, and we’ve got the mindset,”* St. Brown said. *“Now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most.”*
In the NFL, coordinator changes can often lead to growing pains, but Amon-Ra St. Brown’s assessment suggests the Lions are well-positioned to avoid a step back. His praise for Engstrand’s offensive creativity and Townsend’s defensive acumen should reassure fans that Detroit isn’t resting on its laurels.
If there’s one takeaway from St. Brown’s honest evaluation, it’s this: The Lions’ new coordinators aren’t just caretakers of the system—they’re innovators ready to elevate it. And with players like St. Brown buying in, Detroit’s championship aspirations remain very much alive.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether these coaching transitions pay off. But if St. Brown’s confidence is any indication, the Lions might just be getting started.
