Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell credited new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson for significantly boosting his career. However, during his media session at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, February 25, Campbell acknowledged that Johnson also played a pivotal role in elevating his own career.

The Lions have secured the NFC North Division title for the past two years, advancing to the championship game following the 2023 season and earning the No. 1 playoff seed in 2024. The team finished with a 9-8 record in 2022.

Johnson served as the offensive coordinator during all three of these successful seasons, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn remained in his role throughout Campbell’s four years leading the team in Detroit. Both Johnson and Glenn moved on to head coaching positions this offseason—Johnson to Chicago and Glenn to the New York Jets.

Campbell shared the advice he sent to both coordinators after their departures when speaking to the media.

“I told Ben Johnson and AG that the most important thing you’ll do as a head coach is hire your staff,” Campbell said.

Johnson has appointed Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator, who was most recently the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. For his offensive coordinator, Johnson took a chance on 28-year-old Declan Doyle, who was previously the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos under Sean Payton.

Johnson will lead the offense and call the plays for the Bears, meaning Doyle will act more as a support role, helping shape the weekly offensive strategy.

Richard Hightower is the only coordinator retained from Matt Eberflus’ tenure, continuing to lead the special teams unit.

In addition, Johnson brought in nine-year NFL veteran Antwaan Randel El as wide receivers coach/assistant head coach, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as running backs coach, and former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett as quarterbacks coach.