Lions coach Dan Campbell discussed what the team would look for in their next offensive coordinator.
The Detroit Lions’ main problem now is to find a new offensive coordinator, as Ben Johnson has left for Chicago. A top-five offense has propelled the team to success over the last three years, and while the offensive personnel remains impressive, Detroit must make an informed decision about their future play-caller.
Our own Erik Schlitt has covered 12 prospective Johnson successors here, but let’s take a look at what head coach Dan Campbell is looking for in a candidate for the role. On Monday, Campbell was questioned about the possibility of losing Johnson and described the attributes he would look for in a successor.
Needs to be Jared Goff-approved
There was never any question that this team would be quarterbacked by Jared Goff for at least the next three years, but Campbell took it a step further and said he plans to have Goff included in part of the search.
“I want his input. To me, that’s important,” Campbell said. “That’s important. That’s what Ben (Johnson) did a great job of. Those guys working together, and the system was kind of built from the ground up, and it was to help him and for him to be a part of. And so, yeah, that’s huge, he’ll have a lot of input. What he says is going to have a—says a lot to me, I should say. Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it’s not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me.”
Must be okay with Campbell being heavily involved
We’ve mentioned several times that people underestimate Campbell’s impact on the offense. When the Lions relieved Anthony Lynn of his play-calling duties in 2021, Campbell assumed the role. The Lions’ head coach admitted his mistake with Lynn was being too hands-off. When it came to acquiring players, Campbell’s offense became a blind spot. So moving forward, he understood that he needed to be more involved in the offense from the beginning, and he expects it to continue with his new offensive coordinator.
“That’s my area of expertise, if you will,” Campbell said. “So, I’m not going to allow that to happen (again). I’m going to be involved no matter what because I think that’s best for our offense.”
No significant philosophy changes
The Lions are who they are. Their offense is defined by a scheme-diverse running game, complemented by a passing game with several weapons. Campbell says he is not going to take this opportunity to make any large-scale changes, but he will allow the next offensive coordinator to put their spin on things.
“What we are is what we are, and we’ve been that way since I’ve been here,” Campbell said. “So, does that mean a couple of things get tweaked? A couple of things will get tweaked, just the nature of new coordinators if that happens because you want it to be kind of their flavor, their style with it. But, yet, what I want is what we’re going to do, and what we’re about and what Goff’s about and the runners.”
Similar terminology
“I want to keep our terminology in place,” Campbell said.
While this may seem like a minor requirement, it is not. The vocabulary used in NFL schemes varies greatly, and players frequently compare learning new terminology to learning a new language. With a roster core comprised of players who have played with the same offense for the past three years, it seems logical to maintain that continuity moving ahead.
Following a poor finale to the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions are already preparing for the 2025 offseason. While many of the team’s focus will be on player signings and draft plans, one major issue remains: what will happen to cornerback Carlton Davis?
Davis, who was obtained in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2024 offseason, had a successful first season in Detroit. He provided leadership and stability to a secondary that required an experienced presence. However, his time with the Lions may be limited, as the team must make a difficult decision about his future with the franchise.
Davis’ Injury History and Age Could Push Lions to Let Him Walk
Despite his impressive performance in 2024, Davis has battled injuries throughout his career. Davis’ inability to stay healthy for an entire season, which has plagued him throughout his career, is a huge source of concern for the Lions moving ahead. Davis made a significant impact to Detroit’s secondary, but his reoccurring injury troubles may push the Lions to move on.
As noted by Devon Platana of Detroit Jock City, the Lions may be willing to let Davis go, especially if he demands a hefty price tag. “The ex-2018 second-rounder will be looking for another big-time contract this offseason. Spotrac projects that he could earn about $13.8 million annually on the open market,” Platana wrote. With $69.7 million in cap space, the Lions have money to spend, but could be reluctant to invest heavily in a nearly 30-year-old cornerback who’s struggled with health issues.
Lions’ Deep Secondary Gives Them Flexibility
Another factor working against Davis’ return is the Lions’ cornerback depth. The squad has already made great strides in improving its secondary, with a combination of dependable veterans and promising young players under contract for the 2017 season. This depth enables the Lions to proceed without Davis if his asking price is prohibitively high.
Davis’ likely departure would fit into a wider picture for the Lions. With more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster, Detroit may opt to use their available cap space on younger players and positions in greater need.
The Decision Ahead
At this point, the Lions’ stance on Davis seems to hinge on whether the veteran cornerback can secure a deal that fits within the team’s financial strategy for 2025. If Davis demands too much money, it’s possible the Lions will allow him to walk in favor of their younger and more affordable cornerbacks.
While Davis made a notable impact in 2024, Detroit’s front office will have to weigh whether retaining him is worth the investment, given his injury history and the team’s current resources. As the offseason unfolds, the decision on Davis’ future in Detroit will be one of the more closely watched storylines for a team looking to build upon its promising 2024 season and continue its upward trajectory toward a Super Bowl.
