Ben Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Who Really Runs the Lions’ Offense
Ben Johnson has been a huge part of the Detroit Lions’ offensive success, but according to him, there’s one guy who deserves even more credit—head coach Dan Campbell.
In a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, Johnson made it clear that while he was the one calling plays, Campbell was the true mastermind behind the Lions’ aggressive offensive approach. From the team’s famous fourth-down decisions to their overall game plan, Johnson said Campbell’s strategic thinking played a massive role in shaping how Detroit played.
“He’s super intelligent, and I’ve learned a ton from him,” Johnson said. He explained that Campbell wasn’t just making bold calls for the sake of it—every decision was calculated, based on factors like the opponent, game flow, and even the weather.
One example? Campbell would give Johnson the green light for aggressive fourth-down plays, but only if they were in the right spot on the field. “Once we hit midfield, if you can make it fourth-and-3 or less, then you’re going to have a green light,” Johnson recalled. That kind of planning allowed the Lions to consistently take smart risks rather than reckless ones.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t just Johnson’s play-calling that made Detroit’s offense so explosive—it was the partnership between him and Campbell. With Johnson moving on after the 2024 season, Lions fans can take comfort in knowing that the guy truly pulling the strings is still running the show.
Ben Johnson Exposes the Real Architect of Lions’ Explosive Offense
