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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is taking some heat as Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears advance in the NFL Playoffs.
Now, people in Detroit love Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, but it was more difficult to show him affection during the team’s 2025-26 season. The Lions closed out their season with a 9-8 record and no chance at the postseason, and just one year ago, they were No. 1 in both the NFC North and NFC conference.
So, what happened? Well, NFL analysts and fans alike point to former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson heading to the Bears this season, and the proof is in the pudding, since Johnson and the Bears are in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday, January 18.
There’s no denying that Johnson’s presence is missed on the Detroit Lions’ staff. Now, some voices are criticizing the Lions for letting Johnson go and even saying he should have replaced Campbell as head coach instead.
In a feature for SI, John Maakaron discusses the fanbase that says Johnson should have been given the keys to the Detroit Lions’ ride. He also gives his thoughts on if it would have made sense to replace Campbell with Johnson instead of let Johnson walk.
Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions Facing Criticism
In the piece, Maakaron notes that the Lions are coming off a difficult season, while “things are looking quite differently in Chicago, where first-year head coach Ben Johnson has taken everything that was once great in Detroit and injected it into an organization that had not had any playoff success since 2011.”
So, he asks the question, did the Detroit Lions let a genius leave? Genius is a strong word, but it does fit with how Johnson has turned the Chicago Bears around.
In the piece, he says that Campbell “has done a masterful job of repairing the reputation of the Lions. What once was a dormant franchise is now rightfully under the microscope. Every decision is talked about, and the fanbase is grumpy due to the growing belief the team should be in Super Bowl conversations on a yearly basis.”
Most importantly, he notes that “it would have been unprecedented for general manager Brad Holmes to fire Campbell,” especially after a 15-win season in 2024-25 that made them No. 1 in the NFC.
So, firing Campbell in favor of Johnson just wasn’t even in the discussion at the time. But, he does make the point that the Detroit Lions have some decisions to make if they want to be contenders again, and that includes Campbell.
A Former Detroit Lions Players Gets Commanders Offensive Commanders Gig
New Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough is a former Detroit Lions player. Speaking to reporters on Friday, January 16, Johnson was asked about the hire of his former player.
“He’s got a bright future, as well,” Johnson said. “He’s really smart. Has a natural way of connecting with everybody, coaches and players alike. I know he’s highly respected, not just from me, but that Washington staff, they’ve found tremendous value in him as well.”
He added, “I think he’ll do an outstanding job in that role. He’s really smart. Having played quarterback, he’s got that inward feel of how to help elevate that position, and I think he’ll be able to do that in that play-calling role moving forward. I think he’ll be one of those guys who gets a head job before you know it.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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