The Detroit Lions open the 2025 season with high expectations, and an early-season matchup against the Green Bay Packers could determine who has a share of the early advantage in the NFC North. While there are plenty of storylines in the game, one of the biggest is Dan Campbell’s new look coaching staff after losing eight assistants since the end of last year.
The departures of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are the ones that have Lions fans the most worried heading into Green Bay. But Campbell also had to plug holes elsewhere on his staff, which has him turning to former Lions Pro Bowler Don Muhlbach.
Former Pro Bowler Don Mulbach Gets Expanded Gameday Role on Lions Staff
Mulbach has been around the Lions for a long time, logging 260 games as the team’s long snapper from 2004 to 2020. A two-time Pro Bowler with selections in 2012 and 2018, Muhlbach became a special assistant to the team president after his retirement and Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon noted that it was not uncommon to see him on the practice field helping special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
Those roles were expanded this week when Campbell tabbed Muhlbach to replace Jon Dykema’s role of being Campbell’s in-game management helper. The role was left vacant as Dykema left for the Jacksonville Jaguars this spring and includes helping Campbell’s decision to throw challenge flags after a play.
“He does a ton, and has done a ton, since he was hired here helping on special teams,” Campbell said via Risdon. “He wears a ton of different hats. … It just felt like this was going to be the right fit. He’s got a pretty good grasp, pretty good feel of what I want. And I also know he’s got conviction about him when he sees something or believes something.”
Having a new voice in Campbell’s ear could do him wonders. In his 20 career challenges as a head coach, nine have been overturned according to Pro Football Reference. Although last season was the first in his career where he had more challenges overturned (3) than upheld (2).
Regardless of the results, Campbell wanted someone who was assertive when making the decision on whether to throw the flag. It remains to be seen whether Muhlbach’s assignment will pay off but Campbell seems confident the move will work out.