Campbell’s Culture Wins Again

Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn says it loud: “Dan’s the reason I’m ready.”

It’s one thing to build a team. It’s another thing to build a team that other coaches are proud to represent—even when they leave. That’s exactly the kind of culture Dan Campbell has created in Detroit. And today, former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn made it crystal clear: Campbell’s leadership helped prepare him for his next big NFL step.

Glenn, who was hired by the New York Jets to help lead their defense, didn’t just say thank you out of politeness—he meant it. Speaking to reporters at minicamp, Glenn credited Campbell’s no-nonsense style and attention to growth for making him a better coach, and, by extension, a better man.

“I learned how to lead with toughness, but also with heart,” Glenn said. “That’s Dan. That’s all Dan.”

Why This Matters for Lions Fans

Now, this isn’t just about warm fuzzies and farewell quotes. It’s about something deeper—respect. Dan Campbell isn’t just coaching a football team. He’s building a coaching tree. That’s a big deal in the NFL, where long-term success isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about creating a system where coaches and players thrive, even after they leave.

Glenn’s growth under Campbell also tells us something about the Lions themselves: the team is in good hands. Campbell isn’t just producing players. He’s producing leaders.

The Detroit Coaching Ripple Effect

Let’s not forget, Ben Johnson—the Lions’ offensive mastermind—also generated serious buzz across the league before choosing to stay in Detroit. Add Glenn’s public praise to the mix, and you start to get a picture: Detroit has become a destination for developing excellence—not just hiring it.

Final Thought

The Lions may not have lifted a trophy yet, but if the measure of a great coach is the legacy he leaves behind in others, Dan Campbell is already on the path to greatness. And if Aaron Glenn succeeds in New York, you can bet your Sunday tailgate that some of that Jets shine started in Motown.