Lions HC Dan Campbell sends clear message after Ben Johnson’s departure ahead of 2025 NFL season

Dan Campbell is aware that the upcoming NFL season will bring several changes, mainly within his coaching staff. With Ben Johnson‘s departure to the Chicago Bears, a new offensive scheme is set to take shape. However, the Detroit Lions‘ head coach was quick to clarify that the success of the team will ultimately depend on what his players do on the field.

In a recent conversation with the media, Campbell addressed the departure of former offensive coordinator to a direct NFC North rival, emphasizing that it’s his players who execute the plays, regardless of who’s leading them.

“This is a Detroit Lion offense, is what it is. … This offense is Jared Goff, (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, (Jahmyr) Gibbs, (David) Montgomery,” Campbell said via the Detroit News. “It’s Frank (Ragnow); it’s (Penei) Sewell; it’s (Taylor) Decker. I can keep (going). It’s (Jameson Williams). … That’s what we are.“

He also added: “We can say, ‘Well this is our scheme, this is what we’re running.’ No, no, no. (The players are) the ones who make it what it is. That’s our playbook, those guys.”

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions look on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

After a successful stint as the Lions’ OC, Ben Johnson’s move to the Bears marks a step forward in his career, as he will gain his first experience as a head coach in the league.

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Campbell addressed Aaron Glenn’s departure

Ben Johnson’s departure isn’t the only coaching loss Dan Campbell will face heading into the next season. Aaron Glenn, who served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator, was named the new head coach of the New York Jets earlier months ago.

After the news broke about Glenn’s move to the Big Apple, Campbell took a brutal shot at the Jets, considering they stole his defensive coordinator. Despite this, the HC expressed confidence in his former DC abilities to lead his new team deep into the NFL season.

“As long as he’s got the support, A.G. will turn that thing around,” Campbell said to the press. “There’s no question. He’s an unbelievable leader and he’s an even better person. He’s the type of guy who makes people rally around him and do things to help him have success. So he is going to bring the right type of people around him. He’s already done that with the coaches and he’ll bring the right kind of players. Look, if he can’t, nobody can, that’s my opinion.”