Detroit still loves Dan Campbell, but patience wore thin during the Lions’ disappointing 2025–26 season. After finishing 9–8 and missing the playoffs, the drop-off was impossible to ignore—especially considering the franchise was No. 1 in the NFC North and NFC just one year earlier.

Naturally, fans and analysts are asking the same question: What changed?

For many, the answer starts with Ben Johnson’s departure.

Ben Johnson’s Bears Run Fuels Second-Guessing in Detroit

Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t just leave the organization—he immediately transformed the Chicago Bears. In his first season as head coach, Johnson has the Bears playing in the NFL Divisional Round on Sunday, January 18, marking a dramatic turnaround for a franchise that hadn’t seen postseason success since 2011.

Meanwhile, Detroit struggled to find offensive consistency without him.

That contrast has fueled criticism toward the Lions’ decision-makers, with some fans openly wondering whether Johnson should have replaced Dan Campbell instead of being allowed to walk.

Did the Lions Let a Genius Leave?

In a feature for Sports Illustrated, John Maakaron explores the growing segment of the Lions fanbase questioning whether the franchise made a costly mistake.

Maakaron notes that while Detroit endured a frustrating season, “things are looking quite differently in Chicago,” where Johnson has taken the offensive principles that once defined the Lions and successfully applied them to a struggling Bears organization.

While calling Johnson a “genius” may feel extreme, his immediate success certainly strengthens the argument that his impact in Detroit was more significant than many realized.

Why Firing Dan Campbell Was Never Realistic

Despite the frustration, Maakaron makes it clear why replacing Campbell with Johnson was never a real option.

Campbell led Detroit to a 15-win season in 2024–25, finishing No. 1 in the NFC, and played a central role in rebuilding the franchise’s reputation. As Maakaron writes, Campbell has turned the Lions from a dormant organization into one constantly under scrutiny—where every move is analyzed and expectations now include annual Super Bowl contention.

Given that context, it would have been unprecedented for general manager Brad Holmes to fire Campbell, making the idea a non-starter at the time.

Still, the Lions now face tough decisions if they want to return to contender status—and those decisions inevitably involve Campbell’s future direction.

---

Former Lions QB David Blough Lands Commanders OC Job

While Johnson thrives in Chicago, another former Lion is making moves elsewhere.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough, a former Detroit Lions quarterback, earned praise from Johnson after the hire was announced.

“He’s got a bright future,” Johnson said on Friday, January 16. “He’s really smart and has a natural way of connecting with coaches and players alike.”

Johnson emphasized Blough’s value as a former quarterback, noting his instinctive understanding of the position and his ability to elevate offensive play-calling.

“I think he’ll do an outstanding job in that role,” Johnson added. “He’s one of those guys who will get a head coaching job before you know it.”