Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, recently shared his thoughts on how the team is handling the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Many fans were disappointed to see Johnson leave for the Chicago Bears, a division rival, especially since he was a key figure in the Lions’ offensive success. However, Johnson’s move was driven by the opportunity to take on his first head coaching role with a team that is in the process of developing star quarterback Caleb Williams.
Despite Johnson’s exit, Campbell emphasized that the Lions’ offense will not suffer. He made it clear that the team’s success is not dependent on any one coach but rather on the players who execute the plays. As long as the Lions have the right talent, the offense will remain strong.
Campbell’s Confidence in the Offense
At the NFL’s annual league meeting, Campbell expressed confidence in the Lions’ offense moving forward. He highlighted the trust he has in quarterback Jared Goff, who has excelled in executing the offense and even contributed his own insights. Campbell shared that Goff not only followed the team’s offensive strategy but also began to identify plays and make adjustments based on his observations. “He began to bring stuff to us,” Campbell said, indicating that Goff’s development as a playmaker will continue to improve.
The Lions have also secured important contracts to strengthen their offense. Goff and running back David Montgomery have received multi-year extensions, ensuring that key players remain in place. Campbell underscored that while schemes and playbooks are important, it’s ultimately the players who bring those strategies to life on the field.
Lions’ Focus in the Draft
Looking ahead to the NFL draft, the Lions are expected to focus on bolstering their roster, particularly on the defensive line. With a need to complement Aidan Hutchinson on the edge, there’s speculation that the team might target players like Donovan Ezeiruaku, a standout defensive lineman from Boston College, according to CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli. Ezeiruaku is known for his high motor and productive play, qualities that align well with the Lions’ defensive priorities.