Ben Johnson Sends Farewell Message to Dan Campbell After Leaving Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has bid farewell to head coach Dan Campbell following his decision to leave the team after a highly successful stint. Johnson, who played a pivotal role in the Lions’ offensive resurgence over the past few seasons, took to social media to express his gratitude and appreciation for Campbell, with whom he had formed a close professional bond.
The message, shared on multiple platforms by Johnson, has resonated with many Lions fans and analysts alike, marking the end of an era for one of the most promising coaching duos in recent franchise history. Johnson’s departure comes as a surprise to many, considering the Lions’ impressive turnaround in 2023, where the team finished with a winning record and showed significant offensive progress. The duo’s partnership was instrumental in turning the Lions into one of the most potent offenses in the NFC, with Johnson’s creative play-calling and Campbell’s leadership providing the perfect synergy.
The nature of Johnson’s message to Campbell was both heartfelt and respectful, acknowledging Campbell’s influence and the growth they had achieved together. In his post, Johnson wrote:
“Dan, I just want to thank you for everything. From the day I came in, you made me feel part of the team. You’ve been a mentor, a friend, and most importantly, a leader that any coach would be lucky to work under. The growth we’ve had here is a testament to your vision and the way you lead this team. We’ve built something special together, and I’ll always carry the lessons I’ve learned from you with me.”
This message is a reflection of the camaraderie and respect between the two men, who are seen as key figures in the Lions’ rise from mediocrity to a legitimate playoff contender. When Johnson was hired as offensive coordinator, few expected him to make such a significant impact so quickly. But his offensive scheme was both innovative and efficient, tailoring plays that maximized the talents of quarterback Jared Goff, running back David Montgomery, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, among others.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense was among the most explosive in the NFL in 2023, finishing near the top in both total yards and points per game. The transformation was so remarkable that Johnson’s name began circulating as a potential head coach candidate for other teams looking to fill top positions. His decision to leave Detroit now has left many wondering whether he has already made the leap to another opportunity in the league, or if he plans to take a break and reassess his career path.
For Campbell, Johnson’s departure marks another shift in the leadership of the Lions’ coaching staff, which has undergone several changes since Campbell’s arrival in 2021. The Lions head coach has already begun the process of finding a replacement, but Johnson’s absence will surely be felt, both on the field and in the locker room. The bond between the two coaches was evident throughout their time together, and Campbell has often spoken highly of Johnson’s work ethic, creativity, and ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his players.
“Ben is one of the smartest offensive minds I’ve been around,” Campbell said during a press conference earlier this season. “He’s a great communicator, and he knows how to put our guys in positions to succeed. Losing him is going to be a challenge, but I fully understand his decision, and I know he’s going to do great things wherever he goes.”
The Lions’ offense in 2023 was a reflection of their head coach’s philosophy, blending physicality with finesse and aggression with calculated risk. Johnson’s ability to craft diverse offensive schemes, balancing the run game with the passing attack, was central to the Lions’ success. His departure, while a blow to the team’s coaching staff, has prompted discussions about who might fill the void and continue the team’s upward trajectory.
While many have speculated about Johnson’s future, one of the prevailing theories is that he may take on a head coaching role elsewhere. Reports have linked him to several teams in need of an offensive-minded leader, with many predicting that he could land a position with either a struggling franchise or one that is looking to build around a young quarterback.
For the Lions, the challenge of replacing Johnson comes at a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process. Detroit has not made the playoffs consistently over the years, but with a strong core of young talent, a solid quarterback in Goff, and an emerging defense under Campbell’s guidance, the Lions were finally beginning to show signs of sustained success. The offense, in particular, was expected to remain a major strength, especially after they finished 2023 with one of the most efficient units in the NFL.
As for Johnson’s legacy in Detroit, it is one that will not soon be forgotten. His work with the Lions’ offense was instrumental in helping the franchise reclaim a sense of relevance after years of underperformance. He was part of a coaching staff that not only redefined the Lions’ identity but also reinvigorated the fanbase, providing hope for a team that had long been relegated to the bottom of the NFC North standings.
Lions fans have expressed mixed emotions regarding Johnson’s departure, with many lamenting the loss of a bright offensive mind but also wishing him well in his future endeavors. “We’re going to miss Ben and his offensive genius, but we’re excited to see where he goes from here,” one fan wrote on social media. “Good luck, Ben! You’ll always be a part of Lions history.”
As for Campbell, he now faces the task of continuing the momentum built over the past few seasons. Replacing Johnson won’t be easy, but the coach’s leadership style and his ability to adapt to challenges have been a cornerstone of the Lions’ turnaround. Whoever is brought in to take over the offensive coordinator role will need to continue to build on the foundation laid by Johnson, ensuring that the Lions’ offense remains a formidable force in the years to come.
The departure of Ben Johnson marks the end of one chapter in Detroit’s rise, but for both Johnson and Campbell, the future remains bright. The Lions’ ascension in the NFC North will depend on how quickly they can find a suitable replacement and keep pushing forward in their quest to return to playoff contention for years to come.
