Ben Johnson Sends Message to Dan Campbell After Leaving Lions
By Cem Yolbulan
It has been a difficult few days for the Detroit Lions. After suffering a devastating loss to the Commanders at Ford Field on Saturday, the Lions are going through significant changes to start the offseason.
The biggest of them all was the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Only two days after Detroit's divisional-round loss, Johnson was announced as the new Bears head coach. Since then, it has been an outpouring of nothing but positive messages and supportive statements from the Lions organization.
In his first press conference in Chicago, Johnson returned the favor and spoke highly of his former organization, colleagues, and players. He saved his highest praise for head coach Dan Campbell. Johnson called Campbell "more than just a colleague" and thanked him for trusting him when he didn't need to. He added that he "will forever be in [Campbell]'s debt", per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.
Ben Johnson Has Heartfelt Message for Dan Campbell
Ben Johnson thanks the Lions organization, starting with owner Sheila Ford Hamp and coach Dan Campbell:
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 22, 2025
"(Campbell is) more than just a colleague to me. He is a friend, is a mentor, he is a man that trusted me when he didn’t need to. I will forever be in his debt."
This reaction is understandable, and it echoes how the city of Detroit feels about Campbell. Johnson and Campbell were a match made in heaven. The offensive coordinator perfectly implemented Campbell's aggressive play-calling and out-of-the-box approach.
Even though the two coaches ultimately failed in their pursuit of winning the Super Bowl, they did wonders for each other's careers and helped improve one another as coaches. They also turned the Lions into a juggernaut and one of the most fun teams to watch in the NFL.
Johnson's time in Detroit as a coach predates Campbell's. He first arrived in Detroit in 2019 as a quality control coach. He was promoted to tight ends coach in 2020 and was retained after Campbell became the head coach in 2021. Campbell trusted Johnson immediately after the 0-8 start, replacing pass game coordinator Anthony Lynn with Johnson.
This is what Johnson is likely referring to when he says that Campbell trusted him when he "didn't need to." After that season, Campbell made Johnson the offensive coordinator, and the rest is history. Johnson became the best offensive coordinator in the league and earned a well-deserved promotion to head coach. Now, he will be facing his mentor and good friend twice a season for the foreseeable future.
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