The Detroit Lions will open 2025 training camp with a major question at center after Frank Ragnow’s retirement, while new coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard take over a team coming off a 15-2 season and consecutive NFC North titles.
Detroit Lions camp preview: Center battle and new coordinators headline 2025
Detroit’s rookies are scheduled to report July 16, with veterans due in Allen Park, Michigan, on July 19. The Lions will begin their work at the Detroit Lions Training Facility facing significant changes along the offensive line and on the coaching staff.
Ragnow’s departure leaves Jared Goff without the accomplished center who had anchored one of the league’s strongest offensive fronts. Detroit appeared positioned to bring rookie Tate Ratledge along at guard before potentially moving him to center in 2026, following a path similar to Ragnow’s early career. Instead, the second-round pick could be pushed into a competition for the starting job immediately.
Ratledge remained unsigned as camp neared, adding uncertainty to the plan. Veteran Graham Glasgow is another possible answer at center, though the 32-year-old has primarily played guard in recent seasons and has not held a regular center role since late in the 2022 campaign. Fifth-round rookie Miles Frazier could also factor into the interior-line rotation, particularly if injuries arise.
Christian Mahogany, entering his second season, is expected to replace Kevin Zeitler at guard after Zeitler departed in free agency. With Ragnow retired and Ratledge and Frazier joining the group, Detroit could field a much younger interior line than it did in 2024.
What changed for the franchise
Head coach Dan Campbell must also navigate the loss of both 2024 coordinators. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn each left Detroit to become head coaches, bringing an end to a staff arrangement that helped the Lions win back-to-back division crowns.
Morton inherits an offense loaded with playmakers but steps into a demanding role after Johnson built one of the NFL’s most difficult units to defend. Morton’s prior work with Goff offers a degree of familiarity, while his approach could include using running back Jahmyr Gibbs more often as a wide receiver. Camp practices should provide the first indication of whether Detroit will retain its previous offensive identity or make broader adjustments.
Sheppard, who has worked under Glenn since entering the NFL coaching ranks in 2021, moves up to run the defense. He is familiar with the organization but has limited experience calling plays. His ability to make game-day adjustments will be under scrutiny, especially after Glenn kept the defense competitive through extensive injuries last season before the Lions’ playoff exit.
Detroit also will monitor the condition of key defensive linemen. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has been cleared following the serious injury that ended his 2024 season. His workload and recovery during the first camp practices will be closely watched as he works toward returning to the form that had placed him in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill is expected to miss the opening portion of the regular season, although the exact timetable remains unclear. Edge rusher Marcus Davenport is another player to track after another injury-limited year. With questions at the edge positions, the availability of Hutchinson, Davenport and the rest of Detroit’s front will carry added importance.
The Lions face a demanding 2025 schedule, with 11 games against teams that reached the 2024 playoffs. That total is tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the highest in the NFL.
Next kickoff: July 31
Detroit opens its preseason in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, July 31, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBC.
- Aug. 8: at Atlanta Falcons, 7 p.m. ET
- Aug. 16: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET
- Aug. 23: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET
SEO Title: Detroit Lions training camp preview: Frank Ragnow retirement, new coordinators and 2025 preseason schedule
SEO Description: The Detroit Lions enter 2025 training camp replacing retired center Frank Ragnow and two coordinators, with Aidan Hutchinson cleared and a July 31 preseason opener against the Chargers.
