The Detroit Lions face a new challenge this offseason after losing their top two assistant coaches. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepted the head coaching role with the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn moved on to lead the New York Jets. These departures have sparked speculation about whether the coordinators were more critical to the team’s success than head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell embraces the skepticism surrounding him. He told WXYZ that the idea of people questioning his leadership without Johnson and Glenn motivates him. “I’ll pull anything negative because it motivates me,” he said, framing doubt as a personal and professional driving force.
Dan Campbell Motivated to Prove Lions Can Thrive Without Top Coordinators Johnson and GlennCampbell’s Leadership Philosophy Aims to Maintain Team Performance Despite Coordinator Departures
Campbell highlighted that head coaches are primarily responsible for setting the team’s tone. While they provide guidance, the ultimate performance depends on the players and assistant coaches executing their roles. A well-prepared team should be able to operate effectively even when the head coach is not directly involved.
According to Campbell, if he has done his job properly, the team should function seamlessly despite staff changes. His focus has been on preparing players and assistants to make decisions independently, ensuring continuity and stability within the organization.
With both coordinators now gone, this season serves as a test of Campbell’s leadership philosophy. Success would show that the foundation he has built allows the team to perform at a high level, proving that his coaching approach is resilient and effective.
