By Sunday 
When the NFL world starts buzzing about the Detroit Lions’ offense, the focus often falls on shiny new pieces or the departure of familiar faces. But if you’re really paying attention, the one name that shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle is Dan Campbell.
Yes, the same guy who once said he wanted kneecaps. Turns out, he also wanted a high-functioning, smashmouth offense—and according to a former offensive lineman turned TV analyst, he’s been behind the wheel more than most people realize.
More Than a Motivator
Fox Sports analyst and Super Bowl champ Mark Schlereth isn’t just tossing around platitudes. He’s been in the booth calling Lions games and seeing Campbell’s fingerprints all over the offensive game plan—long before Ben Johnson became a coaching darling.
“Where I don’t think Dan (Campbell) gets enough credit is Dan understands that offense,” Schlereth said on FS1’s Breakfast Ball. “I was calling games where he was calling plays and transitioning to Ben Johnson… He’s got a heavy hand in the way that offense is structured.”
This wasn’t a hands-off situation where the head coach lets the OC take over and goes back to chewing sunflower seeds. According to Schlereth, Campbell was always deeply involved in the X’s and O’s—personnel usage, formation strategy, the whole thing. Johnson may have helped polish the attack, but Campbell was the architect.
What Happens Without Ben Johnson?
With Ben Johnson off to coach the Chicago Bears, many fans are understandably wondering: will Detroit’s offense stall?
Analyst Danny Parkins isn’t worried. In fact, he says Johnson’s departure might be more of a “W” for the Bears than an “L” for the Lions.
“I think the Lions are still an excellent football team,” Parkins said. “I think a lot of people can be the play caller for a team that has a top two offensive line, a very accurate veteran quarterback, a true No. 1 receiver, a truly elite tight end, a great two-headed attack at running back and other speed and talent on offense.”
Hard to argue. Jared Goff is still under center. Amon-Ra St. Brown is still unguardable. Sam LaPorta is becoming a top-tier tight end. And don’t forget about Jameson Williams—who might finally be ready for a breakout year. This is a loaded offense, no matter who holds the play sheet.
Still Campbell’s Show
The key message here? This offense didn’t walk out the door with Ben Johnson. It was born from Dan Campbell’s vision, molded by his leadership, and is now in the hands of coaches he trusts to carry that standard forward.
Campbell didn’t just reboot the Lions’ offense—he rewrote its DNA.
With training camp just weeks away and expectations sky-high, it’s safe to say Campbell isn’t just managing the team. He’s still very much sculpting the attack that could take Detroit even deeper into the postseason.
And as Mark Schlereth put it best: “He changed everything.”
So maybe let’s stop asking if Detroit’s offense will fall apart. The better question might be: just how high can it go now?