Staff tragedy: Lions’ Dan Campbell gives coaching staff their flowers amid” growing NFL interest after several board meeting” I know when it’s over, it’s over,” Campbell said. see full details…
With an 8-1 record, the Detroit Lions continue to dominate the NFL, but the future is still unknown. During the next offseason, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are anticipated to be strong contenders for NFL head coaching jobs. On Friday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke about this subject.
Campbell expressed his opinions over his coordinators’ possible exits. He also underlined how much he cherishes his time with Glenn, Johnson, and his coaching staff.
Campbell stated, “This is a special staff and a special team, and it has been that way since the beginning.”
Campbell referred to himself, Johnson, and Glenn as “superstars” who had contributed significantly to the team’s success, recognizing their exceptional synergy.
Given that both Johnson and Glenn will probably be in great demand for head coaching positions, Detroit’s head coach made it apparent that he completely understands the situation.
“I know when it’s over, it’s over,” Campbell said. “But we’re going to make the most of it until that time comes.”
Why are the Lions’ top coordinators in high demand?
Johnson has transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most potent in the league. Glenn, whose defensive schemes have elevated Detroit’s defense to elite levels, has undoubtedly impacted the Lions’ success.
Johnson is a top head coaching candidate because he revitalized Jared Goff’s career. Detroit’s offensive guru could listen to Goff and understand what he liked and didn’t like.
From there, Johnson constructed an offensive scheme that allowed Goff to thrive and adapted it to the rest of the Lions’ offensive stars.
“Ben has grown the most of any coach I’ve ever been around,” Campbell said to Sports Illustrated. “He’s always been a very creative play-caller.
He has great vision every week for how to attack our opponents, but most importantly, he knows how to communicate that vision to our players in the room with him. He’s confident, competent, and, above all, competitive. The players on offense respond to him because of it.”
In his fourth year, Glenn has been in the spotlight now more than ever in his tenure in Detroit. He has helped mold the Lions from 3-13-1 to Super Bowl contenders. He’s leading a top-10 scoring defense — doing it without his best player, Aidan Hutchinson.
In many ways, Glenn is an extension of Campbell. He’s often asked to speak to the team on Campbell’s behalf. He’s a coach who can light a fire under players when they need it or play the father figure when they need guidance. Detroit players say he was instrumental in laying the foundation for what was to come and that the Lions aren’t where they are without him.
A rebuilding team always requires culture-building coaches like Johnson and Glenn. Both witnessed Campbell’s comeback with the Lions personally. Johnson and Glenn may soon do the same for a needy NFL team.