Former linebacker and special teams standout has experienced two distinct leadership styles during his time in the NFC North. After spending the bulk of his career in Detroit, he is now with the , playing for first-year head coach — previously the Lions’ offensive coordinator.

With Chicago’s rapid rise under Johnson, comparisons to Lions head coach have been unavoidable. However, Reeves-Maybin insists the two leaders operate in very different ways.

A Journey That Came Full Circle

Drafted in the fourth round out of Tennessee in 2017, Reeves-Maybin built his reputation in Detroit largely through his impact on special teams. After a one-year stop with the Houston Texans in 2022, he returned to the Lions before being released last spring as part of a financial move.

He later joined Chicago’s practice squad in November, appeared in three regular-season contests, and eventually earned a postseason roster spot. The Bears went on to secure a wild-card playoff victory, capping an impressive debut season for Johnson at the helm — one that also included an NFC North title and a dramatic turnaround for the franchise.

Respect for Campbell’s Leadership

Even after switching teams, Reeves-Maybin spoke highly of Campbell, who helped spearhead Detroit’s resurgence. Campbell’s emotionally driven, player-centered approach reshaped the Lions’ locker room culture and left a strong impression on those who played for him. Reeves-Maybin acknowledged that simply being around Campbell influences players and coaches alike.

Johnson Carving His Own Identity

That said, Reeves-Maybin made clear that Johnson is not simply mirroring his former boss. While Johnson spent several seasons working under Campbell after joining Detroit’s staff in 2019 and serving as offensive coordinator from 2022 through 2024, he has brought his own philosophy to Chicago.

According to Reeves-Maybin, team meetings and daily operations with the Bears feel distinct rather than like a continuation of Detroit’s system. Johnson’s analytical mindset and individualized approach have shaped a new environment in Chicago — one that reflects his personality rather than Campbell’s.

Reeves-Maybin noted that watching Johnson build his own culture has been particularly rewarding.

A Connection That Dates Back Years

Reeves-Maybin’s insight carries weight because his relationship with Johnson stretches back several seasons. Even as a defensive player, he developed a rapport with the offensive assistant during their shared time in Detroit. That long-standing familiarity has allowed him to witness Johnson’s progression from a behind-the-scenes staffer to a division-winning head coach.

A Growing Coaching Legacy in Detroit

For Lions supporters, Reeves-Maybin’s observations highlight how Detroit’s coaching staff has influenced the broader league. Campbell’s leadership style continues to resonate beyond Allen Park, while Johnson’s early accomplishments demonstrate that the Lions’ program has also cultivated coaches capable of establishing their own successful identities elsewhere.

Having experienced both environments firsthand, Reeves-Maybin sees clear contrasts between the two — and views both approaches as effective in their own ways.