Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that the team’s offensive momentum won’t slow down just because Ben Johnson has moved on.
Although many Lions fans were disappointed when Johnson accepted a head coaching job with division rival Chicago Bears, the move wasn’t a surprise. For Johnson, the chance to take the reins of a team and work with promising rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was a natural next step in his career. Still, his departure adds a new level of intensity to future matchups between Detroit and Chicago.
Despite the loss of a highly regarded play-caller, Campbell remains confident. He emphasized during the recent NFL league meetings that the core of Detroit’s offensive success lies in its players—not just the coaches.
Confidence in Goff and Offensive Continuity
Campbell stressed that while coaching matters, the players are the true drivers of the game. According to him, having a strong roster is more important than who’s holding the clipboard. Detroit still has all the crucial pieces in place, and that gives him confidence moving forward.
A central figure in that puzzle is quarterback Jared Goff. Campbell had high praise for Goff, noting the quarterback’s growth within the offense and his ability to read defenses and make proactive decisions.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked and more,” Campbell said. “Now he’s starting to bring ideas to us. He’ll see something on the field and suggest adjustments on the fly. That kind of awareness is what really moves the needle. And I think he’s just getting started.”
To maintain that offensive rhythm, the Lions made significant investments this offseason. They handed out contract extensions to several key players, including Goff, running back David Montgomery, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, and veteran lineman Taylor Decker. With this foundation, Campbell believes the team’s identity on offense is in great hands.
“This isn’t just about a playbook or a scheme,” Campbell added. “Our players give the system its shape. They make it work.”
Looking Ahead to the Draft
With the draft approaching, Detroit’s front office is shifting focus to the defense. One clear area of need is adding a strong pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson on the line.
Though the team’s plans remain under wraps, CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli suggested that Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku would be a strong fit. Fornelli described Ezeiruaku as an energetic, productive player—qualities that align with the Lions’ priorities.
While other options like offensive lineman Tyler Booker are on the table, bolstering the defensive front could be the move that takes the team’s defense to the next level.
