Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t panicking after losing two of his most trusted lieutenants this offseason — he’s turning up the volume and leaning into a rockstar mentality.
Following the departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, many wondered how the Lions would cope with the loss of their brain trust. Johnson took a head coaching job in Washington after transforming Detroit’s offense into one of the league’s most dangerous units, while Glenn left to lead the defense in Tennessee.
But for Campbell, the solution isn’t to hit the brakes. It’s to hit the stage — like Metallica.
“Look, we lost some damn good people, but we’re not starting over,” Campbell said. “We’re not playing covers. We’re playing our hits, and we’re writing new ones.”
The Metallica reference might sound unconventional, but it reflects the gritty, no-nonsense culture Campbell has built in Detroit. Much like the legendary rock band, Campbell wants his team to evolve while staying true to its identity. That means promoting from within, empowering rising assistants, and refusing to let the departures derail the momentum the team has built.
In a nod to continuity, Campbell promoted passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand to offensive coordinator, ensuring that the offensive philosophy remains intact. On the defensive side, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard — a rising star in the coaching ranks — will now have a greater influence on game plans and in-game adjustments.
Campbell believes these moves will keep the Lions’ machine humming without skipping a beat.
“This isn’t about replacing Ben or AG,” Campbell explained. “It’s about trusting the guys who’ve been in the trenches with us. They know the sound. They know the rhythm. They’ve been on tour with us.”
The analogy works. Metallica, even after lineup changes, never lost its edge. And Campbell, a former NFL player with a passion for raw energy and unshakable belief, sees the Lions the same way — built to last, no matter who’s holding the mic.
More than anything, Campbell’s message is about resilience and belief. He’s confident that the coaching staff, even with new voices and faces, can carry forward what they’ve built. And as the Lions gear up for what could be their most promising season in decades, Campbell is staying true to his vision — one forged in grit, unity, and yes, a little heavy metal inspiration.
Dan Campbell Loses His Top Assistants — So He’s Going Full Metallica
