Lions' Campbell wants philosophical continuity with potential coordinator replacements, would consult Goff on OC

Allen Park — There are six head coach openings across the NFL and Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is braced for two to be filled by his coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.

"I would expect to lose both, but I haven't been told anything," Campbell clarified. "I just — I've got a feeling, but I'm prepared to lose both."

Every NFL offseason brings change, but none figure to significantly impact Detroit's future more than a potential coaching staff shakeup. Detroit's offense and quarterback Jared Goff have flourished under Johnson's stewardship, finishing top five in scoring each of the past three seasons while setting franchise records in 2024.

The defensive turnaround was unquestionably slower, but Glenn is credited with keeping the unit afloat after it went through the wringer with an inordinate number of injuries in 2024. Additionally, he was ranked as the top coordinator in an NFLPA survey a year ago.

If one or both depart, Campbell said it will be up to him to prevent a disruption in the franchise's staying power as a perennial contender.

"That's my job, is to replenish and find the next man up and the guy who's going to give us the best chance to have success on both sides of the ball," Campbell said. "We're not going to allow that to happen. I'm not.

"Does it hurt to lose those guys? Absolutely," Campbell said. "They're a part of what we've been here. I mean, they've been here for four years. They're one of the major reasons why we've been able to get to where we've been, man. We came out of the dump and got to where we're at. So I will forever be grateful for those guys and our team will. And is it a loss? Absolutely, it's a loss, but yet, man, we move forward. This train rolls on and I'll find the next best guys for us."

Campbell learned some valuable lessons about picking the right coordinators early in his tenure. When he arrived in 2021, he took a misstep by bringing Anthony Lynn on board to lead the offense. It wasn't so much the hire Campbell regrets, but not being more hands-on with shaping the philosophical approach.

"I need to be part of the whole process," Campbell said about the mistake of deferring too heavily to Lynn in 2021. "There was a number of things when that transition took place, 'Hey, your offense, you call it, I'll have some things I want.' Then I'm with (general manager) Brad (Holmes) because we're getting ready for the draft, looking for players, free agency, and so you kind of allow those things to happen, and it's a blind spot and it shouldn't be because that's my area of expertise, if you will. So, I'm not going to allow that to happen, I'm going to be involved no matter what because I think that's best for our offense."

If the Lions need to replace either of their coordinators, philosophy will be key. In the past, Campbell has said the schemes aren't as important as a willingness to put personnel in the best positions to succeed. Still, on Monday, the coach emphasized some schematic preferences, particularly on defense, highlighting a desire to continue playing heavy man coverage attached to pressure rush packages. Those are a pair of Glenn calling cards.

There's also a question about whether Campbell would seek to replace his coordinators with internal or external options. He noted plenty of qualified individuals are currently on staff, but he won't rush to backfill the roles before diligently considering outside candidates.

"I think we've got guys on staff that I think are more than qualified and would be outstanding in those roles, but that does not mean that I'm not looking outside either," Campbell said. "I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible, and we don't lose what we're about and our identity. … We're going to stay true to who we are, and if you're somebody that doesn't feel comfortable with that, then no, this isn't the job for you.

"I'm not going to be in a hurry," Campbell continued. "I'm not in a mad dash. No matter what happens, I want to do what's right by our team and what I believe is going to — those guys will be able to stand in front of that room and command respect and get everybody going in the same direction and will, ultimately, deliver the same message that I'm delivering."

Of note, Campbell not only reaffirmed his commitment and belief in Goff on Monday, but acknowledged the QB would have an important role in deciding any potential replacement for Johnson.

"I want his input," Campbell said. "To me that's important. That's what Ben did a great job of, is working — those guys working together. And the system was kind of built from the ground up, and it was to help him, and for him to be a part of.

"So, yeah, that's huge," Campbell said. "He'll have a lot of input. What he says is going to have a — says a lot to me, I should say. Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it's not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me."