Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell undeniably played a key role in the rise of new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. However, during his media session at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Feb. 25, Campbell admitted that Johnson also helped elevate his own coaching career.
The Lions secured the NFC North title in each of the last two seasons, advancing to the championship game after the 2023 season and earning the No. 1 seed in the 2024 playoffs. In 2022, they finished with a 9-8 record.
Johnson was the offensive coordinator throughout all three of those seasons, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn held his role for all four years of Campbell’s tenure in Detroit. This offseason, both coaches left for head coaching opportunities—Johnson with Chicago and Glenn with the New York Jets.
Speaking to reporters, Campbell shared the advice he gave his former coordinators as they took on their new roles.
“I told Ben Johnson and AG the most important thing you’ll do as a head coach is hire your staff,” Campbell stated.
Johnson selected Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator, who most recently served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He took a bigger gamble on his offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, 28, who was previously the Denver Broncos’ tight ends coach under Sean Payton.
Since Johnson will be the primary architect and play caller for the Bears’ offense, Doyle’s role will be more about helping set the stage for Johnson as they develop each week’s game plan.
