Detroit Lions assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett has sparked speculation about his future with the team after a cryptic social media post hinted at his departure. Barrett, who has served in the role for the past two seasons, has been instrumental in the development of the Lions’ quarterback room and played a key role in supporting the team’s offensive success.
The trade will provide the Lions with even more positions to fill in the winter, when they will be rebuilding following an early playoff loss.
Barrett’s post, which was shared on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), featured a heartfelt message of gratitude alongside photos from his time with the Lions. “These past two seasons have been nothing short of amazing,” Barrett wrote. “I’m so thankful for the relationships I’ve built, the players I’ve worked with, and the opportunities I’ve had to grow as a coach. Excited for what’s next!”
The post quickly garnered attention from fans and colleagues, many of whom left comments wishing Barrett well and expressing their appreciation for his contributions to the team.
Quarterbacks Coach Makes Roundabout Announcement.
Though neither the Lions nor Barrett made a formal statement, the former Ohio State quarterback appeared to confirm his departure on Instagram, changing his handle to “QB coach” and tagging the Bears.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Barrett was accompanied by his offensive coordinator as he made the transfer.
“J.T. Barrett is also coming from Detroit to join Ben Johnson’s staff,” Biggs told X. “He will be the Bears’ quarterback coach. He had been the Lions’ assistant quarterback coach for the previous two seasons.
Johnson has already attracted several top Lions coaches to Chicago. According to Benjamin Raven of MLive.com, Antwaan Randle El, who instructs wide receivers, will join Johnson on the Bears’ coaching staff.
“Randle El is following former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears, where he will take over as the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach,” he told reporters. “It’s a promotion for the former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver who has been on Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit since the beginning.”
Randel El had a significant impact on Detroit’s offensive, Raven noted, and it will be difficult to replace him.
“Randle El’s work speaks for itself,” Raven explained. “Amon-Ra S. Brown is a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler in his first four seasons, all under Randle El. Despite some off-field troubles, Jameson Williams eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time this season, showcasing his strong potential as a first-round pick.”
Lions Could Promote From Within
The Lions may already have a candidate in mind to take over for Johnson as offensive coordinator next season. Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press stated that passing-game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is a frontrunner for the job.
“So, who replaces Johnson as the Lions’ offensive coordinator? My money is on Tanner Engstrand, the passing-game coordinator,” Monarrez stated. “He’s held the position for two seasons and it’s the same job Johnson had before Dan Campbell promoted him to OC.”
The Lions had one of the best offenses in the NFL the last two seasons, with a balanced attack on the ground and in the air. Despite winning a league-best 15 games this season, the Lions fell short in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs as the offense struggled with execution, throwing four interceptions in a loss to the Washington Commanders.