The Detroit Lions looked like they were on their way to another division title this season. They were 5-2 going into the bye and absolutely cruising. Then things went sideways. The offense started to falter, and the defense saw injuries pile up. Dan Campbell was forced to take over as teh offensive play caller for the embattled John Morton, but that didn't solve the issue. Efficiency was still a big problem, and it all came crashing down on Christmas Day, when they turned it over six times in a must-win game against Minnesota.
Lions fans have begun to admit a truth they've tried to avoid for months—the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has significantly weakened their team. Obviously, you will take a hit when an elite play caller leaves, but Campbell's inability to find even an adequate replacement isn't being talked about enough. Now, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Lions head coach is planning another change at offensive coordinator. Yet rather than seek a more proven commodity, he may try something more desperate.
League sources believe Dan Campbell will be in the market for a new offensive coordinator this year, and perhaps he pulls from Johnson's staff one year after Johnson took flight from Detroit.
Dan Campbell is staring down a dangerous road.
There have been many instances where a head coach takes the path of 'If I can't have this guy, I'll just get one of his top assistants. It'll be the same.' History says that is far from reality. Trying to replicate a unique coach with somebody who works for him is asking for trouble. Currently, Dan Campbell has two likely options to consider. One is quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, and the other is wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle-El. Both worked in Detroit with Johnson, so there is familiarity. Campbell could try for Declan Doyle, the Bears' offensive coordinator, offering the chance to call plays as a lure. However, Chicago is allowed to block such an idea.
Maybe this tactic works. Randle El has looked ready for a coordinator opportunity. He's been around the NFL for decades. Barrett has been highly successful as a coach and player. His QB expertise makes such an opportunity inevitable. Still, expecting either man to duplicate what Johnson accomplished is playing against poor odds. Dan Campbell is coming off as desperate. Rather than seek a coordinator with credibility, he is trying to rekindle a fire that died. He needs to be practical about this.
