Dan Campbell’s Controversial Claim: Lions Don’t Need Former Coordinator – A Bold Statement or a Risky Move?

On April 8, 2025, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stirred the NFL world with a bold statement, claiming that the Lions don’t need their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, to maintain their high-powered offense. Campbell’s remarks, made during a press conference, have sparked heated debates among fans, analysts, and former players alike. With Johnson now leading the Chicago Bears as head coach, Campbell’s confidence in his team’s ability to thrive without the coordinator who helped shape their success has raised eyebrows. In this 1000-word article, we’ll dive into the context of Campbell’s statement, the Lions’ recent performance, the impact of Johnson’s departure, and what this means for the team’s future in the 2025 NFL season.

The Statement: Campbell’s Confidence on Display

Dan Campbell has never been one to shy away from bold declarations. Known for his fiery press conferences and aggressive coaching style, Campbell made headlines when he stated, “The players are the ones who make it what it is,” in response to questions about the departure of Ben Johnson. Johnson, who served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024, was widely credited with transforming the team into an offensive juggernaut. Under his guidance, the Lions ranked among the NFL’s top offenses, finishing in the top five in total net yards, points scored, and touchdowns in 2022 and 2023.

Campbell’s statement came after Johnson left to take the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, a divisional rival, following the Lions’ 15-2 season in 2024, which ended in a disappointing Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. Campbell’s confidence in his players’ ability to maintain their offensive prowess without Johnson has been met with both support and skepticism. While some see it as a testament to the culture Campbell has built in Detroit, others view it as a risky dismissal of Johnson’s critical role in the team’s success.

The Context: A Tumultuous Offseason for the Lions

The 2024 season was a historic one for the Detroit Lions. Under Campbell’s leadership, the team achieved a franchise-tying 15 regular-season wins, secured their second consecutive NFC North title, and solidified their status as a Super Bowl contender. However, the season ended on a sour note with a 45-31 upset loss to the Commanders in the playoffs, marking the second time in NFL history that a team with 15 wins failed to advance past the Divisional Round.

The offseason brought significant changes to the Lions’ coaching staff. In addition to Johnson’s departure, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also left to become the head coach of the New York Jets. Campbell was forced to rebuild his staff, hiring John Morton as the new offensive coordinator and promoting Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Morton, a former Lions assistant in 2022, has experience with the team, but his ability to replicate Johnson’s success remains unproven.

Campbell’s statement about not needing Johnson can be seen as an attempt to rally his players and instill confidence in the new coaching staff. However, it also downplays the significant role Johnson played in the Lions’ offensive strategy, particularly in developing quarterback Jared Goff into an elite passer and maximizing the potential of players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Ben Johnson’s Legacy with the Lions

To understand the controversy surrounding Campbell’s statement, it’s essential to examine Ben Johnson’s impact on the Lions. Johnson joined Campbell’s staff in 2021 as the passing game coordinator and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022 after the Anthony Lynn experiment failed. Under Johnson’s play-calling, the Lions’ offense became one of the most dynamic in the NFL. In 2022, the team ranked third in total net yards (6,460), fourth in total touchdowns (54), and fifth in points scored (453). The following year, they continued their dominance, with Jared Goff emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate in 2024.

Johnson’s innovative schemes, particularly his use of pre-snap motion and creative play designs, kept defenses on their toes. His ability to adapt to the strengths of his players was evident in the development of St. Brown, who became a two-time First-Team All-Pro, and Jameson Williams, who recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2024. Johnson’s departure to the Bears has left a void in Detroit, and many fans and analysts believe his absence will be felt, especially in high-stakes games where strategic play-calling is crucial.

Campbell’s Perspective: A Culture of Player Empowerment

Campbell’s statement reflects his broader philosophy as a head coach: empowering his players to take ownership of their success. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Campbell has instilled a culture of grit, conviction, and collaboration in Detroit. His introductory press conference, where he famously spoke about “biting kneecaps” and building a team that reflects the city’s resilience, set the tone for his tenure. Over the past four years, Campbell has transformed the Lions from a perennial underdog into a legitimate contender, leading them to their first division title in 30 years in 2023 and their first playoff win since 1991 in 2024.

By emphasizing that the players are the ones who “make it what it is,” Campbell is doubling down on the idea that the Lions’ success is a collective effort, not the result of any single coach. This aligns with his history of giving credit to his players for their on-field execution. For example, after a dominant 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in 2024, Campbell praised his team for their readiness and ability to “handle their business,” regardless of the opponent or circumstances.

The Critics: Is Campbell Underestimating Johnson’s Impact?

While Campbell’s confidence in his players is admirable, critics argue that his statement dismisses the importance of coaching in the NFL. Tedy Bruschi, a three-time Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Campbell’s decision-making. In a December 2024 appearance on Sunday NFL Countdown, Bruschi questioned Campbell’s emotional control, stating, “I don’t know the emotional control of this coach. I mean, every single time?” Bruschi’s comments were in response to Campbell’s aggressive decisions, such as an onside kick that backfired in a loss to the Buffalo Bills, but they also reflect broader skepticism about Campbell’s ability to navigate the loss of key coordinators.

Fans on social media have also expressed mixed reactions. Some support Campbell’s belief in his players, with one user on X writing, “Dan Campbell knows his team better than anyone. If he says they don’t need Johnson, I trust him.” Others, however, are less convinced, with another user commenting, “Ben Johnson was the brains behind the Lions’ offense. Campbell is delusional if he thinks they’ll be fine without him.”

The Road Ahead: Can the Lions Prove Campbell Right?

The 2025 season will be a litmus test for Campbell’s claim. With John Morton now at the helm of the offense, the Lions will need to maintain their high level of production to silence the doubters. Morton, who previously served as a senior offensive assistant with the Lions in 2022, has experience with the team and a familiarity with Campbell’s system. However, his track record as an offensive coordinator is less impressive than Johnson’s, with his last stint in that role coming with the New York Jets in 2017.

The Lions’ roster remains talented, with players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs capable of carrying the offense. Goff, in particular, has praised Campbell for his leadership, noting on the Glue Guys podcast that Campbell’s acceptance of him after his trade from the Rams in 2021 was instrumental in his resurgence. If Morton can harness the talent on the roster and adapt to the team’s strengths, the Lions may indeed prove Campbell right.

Conclusion: A Bold Gamble in a High-Stakes Season

Dan Campbell’s statement that the Lions don’t need Ben Johnson is a bold gamble, one that reflects his unwavering belief in his players and his vision for the team. While his confidence is a testament to the culture he has built in Detroit, it also risks underestimating the impact of a coordinator who played a pivotal role in the team’s success. As the 2025 season unfolds, the Lions will have the opportunity to prove that their success is indeed a product of their players’ talent and Campbell’s leadership, rather than the schemes of a single coach. For now, Campbell’s words have added fuel to an already fiery narrative, setting the stage for a season filled with high expectations and intense scrutiny.