The Detroit Lions are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams entering the 2025 NFL season. After an impressive 15–2 run during the 2024 regular season, there’s plenty of anticipation surrounding the team.
However, Detroit also faces the challenge of moving forward without two of the main contributors to last year’s success—offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn—both of whom have taken on head coaching roles elsewhere.
In an interview with Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed how he plans to steer the team without his top assistants. To illustrate his mindset, he referenced a unique analogy involving the rock band Metallica, who experienced a major turning point after bassist Cliff Burton tragically died in a bus crash just as the group was rising to fame.
Pelissero brought up how, following Burton’s death, Metallica released an album where the bass was intentionally subdued in the mix—possibly to allow the rest of the band to shine through more clearly. He asked Campbell whether he might similarly take a more hands-on role this season as the new coordinators find their rhythm.
Campbell, clearly entertained by the comparison, responded with enthusiasm.
“Metallica did a phenomenal job moving forward,” he said. “Replacing someone like Cliff Burton isn’t easy, but they managed it. They evolved with time and kept putting out great music, and that’s why they’ve stayed at the top for decades.”
He went on to say that the philosophy behind Metallica’s resilience inspired how he approached hiring Kelvin Sheppard and John Morton as the new defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively.
“I know both of them well,” Campbell added. “Of course, I’ll be involved and influence the process, but I want them to coach with their own voices and beliefs. That’s how we’ll grow. We’re going to be in a good place.”
The conversation between Campbell and Pelissero takes place around the four-minute mark of the full interview, which includes a thoughtful and creative line of questioning from Pelissero—and a fun, passionate response from Campbell that shows just how much he’s embracing the moment. It wouldn’t be surprising if Campbell could belt out “Seek and Destroy” on a karaoke mic with the same intensity he brings to the field.
