Breaking from the usual postgame glow — even after a gritty Lions win — ESPN’s Mike Greenberg dropped a warning about head coach Dan Campbell that’s got Detroit fans talking. According to Greenberg, it’s time to rethink Campbell’s role calling plays, because the game management is starting to look shaky.
Here’s what he said:
> “Dan Campbell has to either give up calling plays or have someone else handle game management. Too much fell through the cracks again today.”
That’s a serious critique, especially coming from a mainstream voice like Greenberg. And it’s not just about one bad decision — it’s about consistency. The concern? When Campbell is pulling double duty as head coach and play-caller, the margin for error grows — and in tight, high-stakes games, that could cost Detroit dearly.
Lions players and fans have long praised Campbell for his intensity, grit, and “all-in” mentality. But Greenberg’s argument: maybe that same fire is clouding judgment when it comes to calling critical plays. As Detroit barrels toward the playoff stretch, one has to ask — is Campbell’s play-calling a strength or a liability?
This isn’t a knock on the heart of Detroit’s identity as a tough, gritty team. Rather, it’s a warning — that even the most passionate coaches need a strategist, a second mind, to steer them through the pressure-cooker moments. And if the Lions want to go all the way, they might need to rethink whether grit alone is enough to win in January.
Mike Greenberg Warns Lions — Dan Campbell’s Coaching Could Be Their Downfall
