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Eric Woodyard
DETROIT — Following a surprising Week 9 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings that dropped the Detroit Lions’ record to 5-3, head coach Dan Campbell convened a private meeting with rookie offensive coordinator John Morton.
Morton stepped into a challenging role, taking over from former coordinator Ben Johnson, who accepted the head coach position with the Chicago Bears after successfully guiding the Lions’ offense to elite status over the past three years, boasting top rankings in points scored (30.15 per game), offensive efficiency, and first downs in the last two seasons.
However, the first eight games under Morton revealed offensive struggles, culminating in a disappointing 27-24 home loss to the Vikings where the Lions managed just 305 yards, a sharp decline from their average of 402.2 yards in 2023-2024. This game marked the third consecutive matchup in which Detroit failed to exceed 30 points.
Quarterback Jared Goff shared his sentiments about the need for a spark in the offense.
«When he mentioned the change, I was ready. I’m always about moving forward. It’s all about the team for me,» Morton stated. «Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, so I didn’t hesitate; the only adjustment is my responsibility on game day. Everything else remains unchanged.»
Just six days later, Campbell was seen on the sidelines with his play sheet and glasses, leading the Lions to a season-best 226 rushing yards and a whopping 546 total yards in a commanding 44-22 victory against the Washington Commanders.
«I believe this was the right course of action, and I’m committed to it,» Campbell explained on Monday regarding his decision to call plays. «Am I flawless? Absolutely not. I’ll need the players to come through for me, which they did during the game. Jared Goff stepped up, and so did the staff. That’s what teamwork is about.»
Campbell’s adept management of the offensive transition reflects the characteristics praised by those who have worked alongside him. His competitive nature, candid honesty, and willingness to engage in tough conversations showcase his supportive leadership style that resonates with players and staff. His commitment to the team’s needs, along with the energy and enthusiasm he brings, have established him as one of the league’s most respected coaches, fostering a team focused on securing its first Super Bowl title, a pursuit that extends to an upcoming road clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC).
«He has faith in us, and we trust him back. He’s physically imposing, which adds weight to his decisions,» Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow remarked. «Jokes aside, he’s attuned to what we need to succeed and is an exceptional coach.»
Here are five anecdotes that illustrate the experience of working with and being coached by Campbell.
Amon-Ra St. Brown after Detroit’s NFC divisional round defeat to Washington on January 19.
«I appreciate you, man. This situation is tough,» St. Brown expressed. «But I wouldn’t choose any other head coach to play for.»
«I appreciate you too,» Campbell replied, offering encouragement.
After achieving the team’s first-ever No. 1 seed, the devastating 45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders, particularly at home, weighed heavily on both the coach and his players, resulting in sleepless nights.
«The team’s disappointment eats away at the right individuals, and that gives me hope,» Campbell told reporters on January 20. «It assures me we will grow stronger and learn from this experience; it’s just fuel for our fire.»
Despite St. Brown’s disappointment, he remained optimistic about Detroit’s chances as Super Bowl contenders in 2025 under Campbell’s leadership.
The Lions drafted St. Brown from USC with the No. 112 pick in the 2021 draft, and he has flourished under Campbell, earning two first-team All-Pro selections.
«I believe I can reach out to him. Our connection has mutual respect,» St. Brown told ESPN. «In both good and bad times, we can rely on each other. Our shared goal of winning unites us since arriving in Detroit.»
Although daily communication isn’t typical, when St. Brown and Campbell converse, it’s meaningful. Their bond reflects a common aspiration for victory.
«I’ve been invested since day one,» St. Brown said. «Campbell’s competitive spirit and intense dislike for losing resonate with me. His accountability, especially when we lose, reflects my own feelings about those losses.»
Taylor Decker was dining with his wife, Kyndra, when he received a surprising call from Campbell, a day post-hiring.
During this initial conversation, Campbell focused on connecting with the veteran offensive lineman. This led Decker to advocate for keeping Hank Fraley as the offensive line coach during Campbell’s staff assembly.
«After [former Lions head coach Matt] Patricia’s firing, I communicated to Chris Spielman about my desire to speak with the new hire,» Decker shared with ESPN on November 6. «I expressed interest in lobbying for Hank to stay, hoping they would consider my input.»
This prompted Campbell’s call.
The 45-minute discussion revealed Campbell’s willingness to establish an open-door culture during his early coaching days.
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Campbell’s genuine curiosity about his players’ perspectives was apparent.
«He sincerely wanted to know what I valued about Hank’s coaching methods,» Decker said. «It wasn’t the sole reason Hank stayed, but Campbell’s willingness to listen mattered.»
Ultimately, Fraley remained with the team, now in his eighth season, taking on additional responsibilities as run game coordinator. His coaching has been instrumental in an offense that led the NFL in points per game (29.0) over the past three seasons, including a record-setting 33.2 points in 2024.
Fast forward three years, Campbell’s open-door approach proved vital for Decker, who sought clarity on his contract situation.
Decker, the team’s longest-serving player, approached Campbell during the spring, eager for updates about remaining in Detroit amidst upcoming contract talks.
«During OTAs, I addressed Campbell directly, asking for updates since secondhand info from my agent wasn’t sufficient,» Decker explained. «I wanted transparent communication to keep me informed of the process.»
«Campbell’s response mirrored the reality; I just needed to stay patient.»
By Day 6 of training camp that July, the veteran left tackle finalized a three-year, $60 million extension, featuring $31.83 million guaranteed, securing his position in Detroit through 2027.
Throughout negotiations, Campbell maintained honesty, expressing a desire to assess Decker’s recovery from offseason surgery related to foot and ankle complications before issuing a new deal.
«We wanted to ensure his physical readiness before proceeding,» Campbell communicated. «Trusting us was appreciated; we informed him to be patient while we navigated the situation.»
Jameson Williams, under a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, focused solely on workouts and catching passes while sidelined.
Though unable to participate with the team, Williams observed the Lions’ wins against the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers alongside his younger brother, Jaden «Slim» Williams.
«I’ve learned a lot—mostly about making smarter choices and growing as a person,» Williams said upon his return. «It’s essential to rise above certain situations.»
Williams’ trajectory with the Lions has been tumultuous. An ACL injury sidelined him for the first 11 games of his rookie season, followed by a suspension for gambling (initially six games, reduced to four) to start 2023. Additionally, a traffic stop on October 8, 2024, involved police finding an unlicensed firearm in his vehicle, leading to no criminal charges or NFL penalties.
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The PED suspension almost marked the end of Williams’ career with the Lions. Nevertheless, Campbell continued to back his young star publicly.
«I have trust in this kid. He must face the consequences of his actions,» Campbell stated to reporters on October 23, 2024. «If he falters again, so be it, but he’s worked his way back and can do it again. Our support remains firm.»
This confidence resonated deeply with the then-23-year-old.
«Every year has brought a fresh lesson. During my rookie year, he prepared me for games, and in my sophomore year, he enhanced my readiness. Last year, he stood by me during the suspension,» Williams shared with ESPN on November 6. «His unwavering belief in me, extending my contract, means the world. That connection is something I can’t put into words. He’s my guy, and I would go to battle for Dan.»
Miami Dolphins teammates had already mentally checked out of the 2015 season.
With an initial record of 1-3, the Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin and promoted Campbell to interim head coach.
Instantly, everything felt different for the team.
«I have great respect for Joe Philbin, but under his leadership, our environment was dim,» Sheppard remarked. «Dan’s arrival flipped that entirely, igniting a spark that made us purposeful during practice.»
«I’ll confess—I was among those errant players. It’s important to hold ourselves accountable, but Dan’s leadership transcended that,” Sheppard added.
Campbell embarked on his head coaching journey by implementing more intense practices. He set a strong precedent with a physical drill pitting Sheppard against Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey—two top players clashing head-on as a running back charged forward.
«On his first day as coach in 2015, he commanded me and Mike Pouncey to face off in a drill,» Sheppard recounted. «It established a culture of relentless competitiveness that extended beyond that season, mirroring his impactful tenure here in Detroit as well.»
Under Campbell, the Dolphins finished 5-7, concluding the season with a 6-10 record which included a notable victory against the New England Patriots. Although he didn’t secure the permanent head coaching role, Sheppard emphasized the cultural shift Campbell initiated, which also resonated within the Lions organization.
«It’s akin to how the Lions operate now. Players like St. Brown, [Lions tackle] Penei [Sewell], and Hutch [Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson] set the standard—no days off. If they’re not slacking, neither should you,» Sheppard noted.
As for Jahmyr Gibbs, he embraced a playful spirit as he embodied WWE legend Jeff Hardy, yet Campbell wasn’t shy about reminiscing during a press conference.
When asked about Halloween costumes during his playing days, Campbell shared fond memories without reservation.
«One year, I dressed as Marilyn Monroe,» Campbell mused. «It was a long time ago, and I’m certain those photos exist somewhere!»
Back in the early 2000s, he donned a curly golden wig and a white dress, attended by his wife Holly in an angel costume.
«That year, her sister joined us, so it was more of a couple’s costume,» Campbell added. «Yes, I genuinely wore a dress on crutches.»
After the conference, Holly delighted in sharing vintage photos on her Instagram, delightfully captioning them with laughter-inducing emojis.
Whether managing the coaching staff, addressing media pressures, or handling difficult discussions like playcalling changes, Campbell exemplifies vulnerability, connecting deeply with players.
«Dan embodies the essence of vulnerability, which is often lacking in today’s society,» stated former Lions fullback Jason Cabinda. «It’s his genuine self that earns our trust. His care for players reflects in his actions, and he fights for us without hesitation.»
