when detroit lions and Ben Johnson Parting ways after the 2024 season, the biggest question isn’t whether Detroit can replace He is whether the team can find the right person Dan Campbell’s Visionthe locker room, and the offense in anticipation of the Super Bowl.
According to Johnson himself, the Lions may have succeeded.
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Former Lions offensive coordinator and current Chicago Bears head coach has strong praise for Detroit’s new offensive coordinator Drew Petchingcalling the pairing with Campbell a perfect fit.
Jalen Reeves – Maybin Campbell Ben Johnson Drew Pay Leos
Relationships built on trust and history
Johnson’s opinion carries weight for several reasons. Not only does he have one of the most efficient offenses in franchise history, but he also understands Petching on a personal level.
The two first worked together more than a decade ago at Boston College and have been close friends ever since. Their relationship was so strong that they attended each other’s weddings, a rarity in the coaching industry.
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This long-standing relationship gives Johnson unique insight into Petzing’s impact.
“He’s going to blow those players away.”
Johnson believes Petching’s football intelligence and communication skills will immediately stand out in the Lions’ building.
“I think from a knowledge standpoint, from a connection standpoint, he’s going to blow the hell out of these guys,” Johnson said, via Dave Burkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I fully expect the offense to be at a high level next year. It wouldn’t surprise me.”
For a Lions offense that already has elite personnel, the expectation from Johnson isn’t return, but continued efficiency and cohesion.
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Why Dan Campbell chose Petzing
Johnson also noted that Campbell’s decision was not rushed. Detroit evaluated a number of candidates before ultimately selecting Petching.
“From what I’ve heard, I think Dan (Campbell) cast a wide net for the offensive coordinator position and Drew found himself in the right direction at the position he was looking for for a reason,” Johnson said.
The comment underscored Campbell’s emphasis on consistency, not just planning. In Detroit’s culture, communication, trust, and shared ideas are as important as game design.
Understand both sides of the equation
What makes Johnson’s support different from others is that he understands two men involved. He knows exactly what Campbell wants from a coordinator and how Petching operates behind the scenes.
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“I think it’s a perfect fit to meet Dan and Drew,” Johnson said. “I thought it might be a match made in heaven.”
This sentence says it all.
What this means for the Lions offense
Johnson’s comments suggest the Lions won’t be reinventing their offense under Petching. Rather, the expectation is continuity, a subtle evolution driven by Petzing’s preparation, teaching, and adaptability.
That kind of stability is crucial for a team with a championship window firmly locked into place.
Losing Ben Johnson is always heartbreaking. But if Johnson’s words are any indication, Detroit didn’t just find a replacement; correct one.
If he’s right, the Lions offense won’t miss a beat.
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