Dan Campbell shares in-depth process for reshaping his coaching staff
The Detroit Lions experienced a significant shift in their coaching staff after losing both their coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, following the conclusion of their season. In total, seven assistant coaches departed. The team made formal announcements last week regarding their replacements, changes, and new hires.
At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Dan Campbell had the opportunity to discuss these staff changes with reporters. Naturally, this topic was a key focus, as it marked the first time Campbell could address the situation.
When asked about his process for hiring new staff members, Campbell explained that he had previously shared with Johnson and Glenn the importance of hiring the right team. “The most crucial thing you’ll have to do is hire your staff,” Campbell recalled telling them. “I’ve already been through this once, and over the last four years, other coaches have come and gone. This is phase two—reloading the coordinators and position coaches. I wanted to take my time and do it properly. A lot of interviews were conducted. I really took the time to sit down with them, get to know them, and understand their approach. While football knowledge is key, it’s all about finding the right fit and chemistry. That was a major factor in the decision-making process. I feel confident we got it right.”
Campbell elaborated further when asked how many interviews he had conducted to find the right candidates. “I know I did 24,” he said, adding that someone later told him it was 26. “But either way, it was a lot.”
He then went on to discuss several of the new hires, including Scottie Montgomery’s transition from running backs coach to wide receivers coach, Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to defensive coordinator, John Morton’s hiring as the offensive coordinator, Tashard Choice joining as the new running backs coach, and Kacy Rodgers’ appointment as the new defensive line coach.
