With Ben Johnson officially becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions now face the task of finding a new offensive coordinator to lead one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. Dan Campbell, head coach of the Lions, shared his priorities for what qualities he values in a candidate to replace Johnson.
Campbell stressed the importance of building a strong relationship between the new offensive coordinator and quarterback Jared Goff. Johnson’s success in Detroit was largely due to his close partnership with Goff, crafting a system tailored to his strengths. “I want his input. That’s really important to me,” Campbell said. He emphasized that Goff’s feedback would continue to be a significant factor in shaping the offense, though the final decisions would still be made by Campbell. “What he says matters a lot to me,” he clarified, but added that the ultimate decision would remain his.
An important aspect of Campbell’s leadership will remain unchanged—his involvement in the offensive strategy. As a coach with a strong offensive background, Campbell made it clear he would continue to be an active part of the playcalling process. “That’s my area of expertise, and I won’t step away from it,” Campbell explained. Whoever steps in as offensive coordinator will need to be comfortable with Campbell’s hands-on approach to the offensive game plan.
While the new coordinator will bring their own style to the offense, Campbell emphasized that the Lions’ core offensive identity will remain intact. “What we are is what we are,” Campbell said, reinforcing that the team’s successful formula will remain the foundation of the system. Some minor adjustments might occur to accommodate the new coordinator’s approach, but the overall philosophy will stay the same. “A couple of things might change because of a new coordinator, but we want to maintain consistency,” Campbell noted.
Another key factor for Campbell in selecting a new coordinator is preserving the current terminology. Keeping the same language within the offense is crucial, especially for Goff, who has mastered the existing system over time. “I want to keep our terminology in place,” Campbell said, ensuring the transition to a new coordinator is as smooth as possible.
In summary, Campbell’s priorities in hiring a new offensive coordinator emphasize collaboration, continuity, and maintaining the philosophy that has made the Lions’ offense successful. With a strong hire, the Lions have the potential to continue their offensive dominance and stay competitive in the NFC.
