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 Glenn
Campbell’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.
The Detroit Lions opened their preseason with a disappointing 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. Right from the opening kickoff where Detroit fumbled the tone was set for a sloppy and mistake-filled night. The Lions turned the ball over five times, including three interceptions, and never managed to recover offensively or defensively.
Campbell Demands Accountability as Turnovers and Poor Execution Overshadow Preseason Development Goals
Despite the preseason setting and the use of backups, head coach Dan Campbell expressed clear frustration with the team’s performance. He emphasized that while winning isn’t everything in the preseason, playing well and executing properly are non-negotiable. “We didn’t do that,” Campbell stated bluntly, adding that the team must learn from the tape and improve fast.
Dan Campbell (NFL)
Turnovers proved to be the Lions’ undoing. Not only did the offense give the ball away five times, but the defense also failed to generate a single takeaway. Campbell pointed out the dangerous ripple effect this created, putting the defense in difficult positions all night. He stressed that ball security is essential, regardless of whether a player is a starter or a reserve.
New Coaches Show Promise, But On-Field Execution Still Needs Significant Improvement and Focus
One of the few bright spots for the Lions came in the form of their new coaching staff. Offensive coordinator John Morton, in his debut, impressed Campbell with his ability to manage the play-calling process and the flow of the game. However, these behind-the-scenes improvements were overshadowed by poor execution during live play, which remains the top priority for correction.
Detroit now turns its attention to its next preseason matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on August 8. Campbell made it clear that the week ahead will be spent addressing fundamentals, reducing errors, and demanding more accountability from players. The expectation is for a sharper, more disciplined showing and a team that protects the football and represents the Lions brand with pride.
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis is approaching free agency, and it remains uncertain whether he will continue with the team for another season. However, his recent comments on the Slightly Decent podcast suggest he has a strong admiration for the Lions, particularly head coach Dan Campbell.
Davis expressed deep appreciation for Campbell’s leadership style and how it has impacted him personally. His statements have fueled speculation that he may be inclined to return to Detroit despite the uncertainties of free agency.
Carlton Davis Admired Dan Campbell’s Accountability After Lions’ Costly Week 2 Mistake
Davis highlighted a specific moment from the Lions’ Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that left a lasting impression on him. A costly mistake at the end of the first half resulted in a 10-second runoff, preventing the team from attempting an easy field goal.
After the game, Campbell took full responsibility for the loss, an act that deeply resonated with Davis. The coach addressed the team in the locker room, visibly emotional, and insisted the defeat was on him, despite the players also having opportunities to impact the game. Campbell even went public with the same sentiment, showing a level of accountability that Davis had never experienced before in his football career.
Carlton Davis (NFL)
Beyond taking responsibility for losses, Davis was equally impressed by how personal Campbell’s approach is with his players. Unlike many other coaches, Campbell frequently engages with his team on and off the field, offering individual praise and recognition. Davis shared stories of Campbell pulling him aside after games to commend his performance, even in front of the entire team.
This practice, according to Davis, is rare in the football world, where many coaches focus more on mistakes than on celebrating success. Campbell’s ability to uplift his players and acknowledge the unseen efforts, such as blocking by wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, makes him stand out as a leader.
Carlton Davis Values Dan Campbell’s Leadership Over Other Esteemed Football Coaches
Davis has played under several well-respected football coaches throughout his career, including Todd Bowles and Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay, as well as Gus Malzahn at Auburn. Despite working with these experienced and accomplished figures, Davis considers Campbell to be the best head coach he has played for.
His admiration is not just about strategy or game planning but about Campbell’s authenticity and commitment to his players. According to Davis, this unique coaching style is why he was willing to give everything on the field for Campbell, even risking injury.
Davis’ praise for Campbell and the culture he has built in Detroit raises questions about his future with the team. While free agency allows him the opportunity to explore other teams, his deep respect for Campbell could play a crucial role in his decision.
If the Lions make a competitive offer, his strong emotional connection to the coach and the team environment may sway him to stay. Regardless of where Davis ends up, his comments serve as a testament to the positive impact Campbell has had on the Lions’ culture and the loyalty he inspires among his players.
The Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of their head coach, Dan Campbell. This year marks the first time in the franchise’s 96-year history that they have achieved an 11-1 winning streak, a testament to the dramatic turnaround in their performance. While Campbell has faced both praise and criticism for his strategies, there is no denying the positive changes he has brought to a team that had struggled for decades. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the Lions to unprecedented success.
One of the key traits that set Dan Campbell apart as a leader is his commitment to taking full responsibility for both successes and failures. In interviews, Campbell openly admits to any mistakes made, whether it’s miscommunication, unclear instructions, or late calls. By acknowledging his own role in any situation, he fosters a culture of accountability within the team. This approach has influenced the Lions’ players to focus on supporting one another, rather than placing blame, which has contributed to their improved performance and team cohesion.
Campbell has also been effective in fostering a sense of appreciation and recognition within the team. Rather than solely highlighting the star players, he makes a point of acknowledging the achievements of all team members. By sharing specific statistics and praising the smaller milestones, he ensures that every player feels valued. This inclusive approach helps motivate the entire team, creating a sense of belonging and pushing everyone to perform at their best, even when they may not be in the spotlight.
Dan Campbell (NFL)
Dan Campbell’s Compassionate Leadership Builds Strong Emotional Bonds and Encourages Innovative Strategies
What truly sets Dan Campbell’s leadership apart is his deep care and compassion for his team. Despite his tough exterior as a former football player, Campbell has shown vulnerability, often shedding tears of pride or disappointment. His genuine emotional investment in his players’ well-being is apparent and has built a strong, trusting bond between him and his team. This emotional connection is a driving force behind their success, as players feel supported and driven by a coach who truly cares about them.
Campbell’s leadership is not solely about top-down direction. He actively listens to input from his colleagues and values their ideas. For example, he has embraced unconventional player choices, such as a former soccer player who now excels as their kicker. By being open to new strategies and unorthodox approaches, Campbell has helped bring out the best in his team. This willingness to innovate and consider fresh perspectives has contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Dan Campbell (NFL)
Dan Campbell’s Resilience in Turning Setbacks into Fuel for Long-Term Success and Growth
The Lions’ transformation did not occur overnight. During the first two years under Campbell’s leadership, the team faced setbacks and struggles. However, Campbell’s resilience and determination to keep pushing forward through these challenges played a crucial role in their eventual success. Rather than dwelling on losses, Campbell uses setbacks as fuel to motivate the team to improve. His “grit” and refusal to give up in the face of adversity have been key factors in turning the Lions into a winning team.
As leaders in the business world, particularly in public accounting, we can learn valuable lessons from Dan Campbell’s leadership style. Whether facing challenges like talent shortages, new competitors, or technological disruption, Campbell’s approach can inspire leaders to build a strong, cohesive, and resilient team.
By embracing responsibility, fostering appreciation, leading with compassion, encouraging innovation, and maintaining resilience, you can create a forward-thinking firm with a lasting legacy, much like Campbell has done for the Detroit Lions.
David Montgomery runs for a touchdown in the 1st half
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said he expects running back David Montgomery to be ready for the NFC divisional round.
“I do,” Campbell said Tuesday when asked if he expected Montgomery to return.
Montgomery hurt his MCL during the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills and has missed the last three games.
At first, his knee injury seemed like it could end his season, but after getting three medical opinions, he chose rehab instead of surgery, hoping to return for the playoffs.
Without Montgomery, running back Jahmyr Gibbs has taken over the main role as the Lions finished the regular season with three straight wins.
Dan Campbell on the sidelines in the 1st half
On Sunday night, the Lions secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in team history, as well as back-to-back NFC North championships, with a 31-9 win over Minnesota. Gibbs also set a career-high with four touchdowns against the Vikings, finishing the season with 20 scrimmage touchdowns, leading the league.
This win also gave Detroit a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Montgomery is the second-leading rusher for Detroit with 775 yards and 12 touchdowns, behind Gibbs, who has 1,412 rushing yards.
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone took part in a walkthrough practice on Wednesday as he works his way back from a broken forearm.
“He’ll be out there running around,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell. “We’ll see how he does. (Thursday) will be a big day for us to see where he’s at.”
Anzalone has been out since he broke his left forearm on Nov. 17 during a win over Jacksonville. He has 56 tackles this season, ranking fourth on the team, after leading the Lions in tackles for the past two years.
The Lions (14-2) will face the Minnesota Vikings (14-2) on Sunday night in Detroit. The winner will take the NFC North title, secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and earn a bye. The losing team will start the playoffs next week on the road as the NFC’s No. 5 seed.
The Lions kept running back David Montgomery (knee) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (illness) out of practice on Wednesday. They are hoping Montgomery can return for the playoffs.
Detroit Lions players in the 2nd half
Anzalone was listed as limited in practice, along with linebacker Jack Campbell (rib) and cornerback Amik Robertson (calf) due to injuries.
Punt returner and receiver Kalif Raymond, who has been out with a foot injury since Nov. 24, has been cleared to practice. Raymond was hurt in a win at Indianapolis.
Raymond scored one of his two receiving touchdowns during a win at Minnesota in October. The week before, against Tennessee, he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in a six-minute stretch of the third quarter against one of his former teams.
With a stellar 7-2 record, the Detroit Lions are enjoying their best start since 2014 under the guidance of coach Dan Campbell. Despite recent developments at his alma mater, Texas A&M, where Jimbo Fisher was dismissed from the head coaching position on Nov. 12, Campbell has firmly asserted his commitment to the Lions and has no intentions of leaving.
Acknowledging rumors that he may have been considered for the vacant head-coaching role at Texas A&M, Campbell emphasized his loyalty to his current position during a recent statement. “Maybe. But that’s all good. Certainly, I know some people there and I love my school,” he remarked during Friday’s practice. “That’s my alma mater, and I want to do anything I can to help them but coach for them. So, and I’ll do that.”
Dan Campbell (Credits: BVM Sports)
Campbell, in his third season as the Lions’ coach, has propelled the team to the top of the NFC North division standings. His coaching prowess has played a pivotal role in Detroit’s impressive performance this season.
During his college years, Campbell was a standout player for the Aggies, earning recognition as a four-year letterman from 1995 to ’98, all while pursuing a degree in agricultural development. Despite his deep connection to Texas A&M, Campbell remains steadfast in his decision not to take on the coaching responsibilities for his alma mater.
While discussing the coaching vacancy at Texas A&M, Campbell refrained from delving into specifics but emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who understands the state of Texas, is familiar with the history of Texas A&M, and possesses the ability to connect with young athletes. “Certainly, the hire is important, and it needs to be somebody that understands the state of Texas, understands the history of Texas A&M, and can communicate with young people and develop them. I think that’s where it starts. Strong leadership,” he commented.
As the Lions gear up to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday, a victory could mark their best 10-game start since 1962, showcasing the remarkable progress under Coach Dan Campbell’s leadership.
David Montgomery went to play in a place he knew, Lambeau Field, on Thursday night. But this time, he was wearing a different team’s uniform, and by the end of the night, he felt something he had never felt before.
Even though David Montgomery never won a game against the Green Bay Packers when he played for the Chicago Bears, this time, he scored three touchdowns! His great performance helped the Detroit Lions win 34-20 on Thursday Night Football.
Lions Running Back David Montgomery (Credits: NY Post)
“It made me very happy,” Montgomery told the reporters when he talked about winning against the Packers for the first time. “You know, I never did that before, but I am so lucky to be on a team with such awesome guys.”
Montgomery was the definition of a workhorse on Thursday, piling up 32 carries, which matched a career-high and stood as the most for any player this season in the NFL.
He scored on runs of 3, 2, and 1 yard in the first, second, and fourth quarters, respectively. All told, he had 121 yards on the aforementioned 32 carries for an average of 3.8 yards per carry.
The latter is hardly a celebratory statistic, but he was able to ground and pound the Packers, helping to propel Detroit to a 27-0 run in the first half before quelling any comeback hopes with a score with six minutes to go. According to Next Gen Stats, Montgomery battered and bruised the Packers with 113 yards after contact — the most in a single game in his career.
“He does get better throughout the game,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said. “He gets better the more he gets hit. The more that he is able to see the holes and see what’s going on — and yeah, he did get better. I think there were two types of runs like where the lane was wide open, and he was running right through them doing his thing.
Then, there were runs where there wasn’t much there, and he kind of made something out of nothing. That is when you know your guy is in the zone a little bit. You try to keep feeding him, and he did his thing tonight.”
The Idea Was for Montgomery to Keep Pushing
The impact made by Montgomery, along with his workload, was all the more impressive considering he’d missed Week 3 with a thigh injury and was questionable to play Thursday.
But still, the head coach, Dan Campbell, and the offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, gave the ball to Montgomery a lot at the beginning of the game. He did not make really big runs, and fans probably still want to see more from Jahmyr Gibbs, who did well, too. The idea was for Montgomery to keep pushing and tiring out the Packers, and he did that for the whole hour-long game.
Head coach, Dan Campbell (Credits: Pride Of Detroit)
“You could see it in his eyes,” Campbell said. “He looked really excited and prepared. His body looked strong and ready. So, we were going to let him play as much as he wanted, as long as his body was okay with it, and it was definitely ready.”
Unfamiliar with defeating the Packers, Montgomery is also foreign to where he put the Lions on Thursday night, which is atop the NFC North. During his time with the Bears from 2019-2022, Montgomery’s squads never finished better than second.
He is going to be a big help for the team this season if the Lions want to keep winning. What happened on Thursday night was really important for Montgomery. He used to lose to the Packers a lot, but this time, he helped Detroit win for the fourth time in a row against Green Bay.
“It felt really special,” Montgomery said. “I am so lucky to have these amazing teammates. Winning today means a lot to me. Now, I can tell my son that I beat the Packers, and that makes me really excited. I am super happy to be on this team.”
