Since the hiring of former NFL tight end Dan Campbell as head coach, the Detroit Lions have risen to heights that generations of fans had never before witnessed in their lives.
Campbell, who previously played with the Lions and was even part of their woeful 0-16 club during the 2008 season, led Detroit to within 30 minutes of what would have been the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance, and followed that up with a dominant 15-2 campaign. Unfortunately, both seasons ended in bitter disappointment, and that was followed up by a 9-8 campaign in 2025 that saw them miss the postseason.
However, there’s no denying the effect that Campbell has had on the franchise, and by all accounts, he’s immensely popular and respected by all players who have spent time in the Detroit locker room. But in the most recent ranking of the top NFL coaches, Campbell found himself not only outranked by two divisional opponents, but outright disrespected.
Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell Disrespected In Latest NFL Ranking
Campbell finished just outside of the top-10 in the latest ranking of the 10 best NFL coaches from CBS Sports.
Additionally, former Lions OC Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach of the divisional rival Chicago Bears (and lost both games against Detroit last season), along with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, both finished ahead of Campbell in the ranking.
Johnson came in at No. 6 overall, while LaFleur finished at No. 10.
Insider Zachary Pereles wrote the following about Johnson:
“Johnson exceeded even the highest of expectations last year, going 11-6 and winning a playoff game in his debut season. Johnson is the latest offensive whiz kid, but this somehow feels different, given Johnson’s ability to win over the locker room and elevate what had been a downtrodden franchise.”
On LaFleur, he wrote:
“On one hand, Matt LaFleur’s resume includes a terrific .654 win percentage; the resurgence of Aaron Rodgers (who won MVP in 2020 and 2021 — LaFleur’s second and third years on the job); and just one losing season. On the other hand, LaFleur is just 3-6 in the postseason and has lost five of his last six playoff games. Much like his current quarterback, Jordan Love, it feels like his team is always scratching at the surface of breaking into the upper crust but never quite getting there. Is a breakthrough coming?”
Currently, Campbell has a career postseason coaching record of 2-2; Johnson is 0-1, while LaFleur is 3-6.
Dan Campbell Wants The Lions To Return To The Basics
Following two straight years in the postseason and winning the NFC North Division, the Lions fell short in 2025.
For a successful 2026 campaign, Campbell said the Lions essentially need to return to the basics.
“I want to know that we can run the football. I want to know we can stop the run,” Campbell said in June. “And I want to know that we’re ready for situational football. Probably those three things, if you want me to feel comfortable. The other stuff will come.”
Upon the completion of Training Camp, the Lions will play the Cincinnati Bengals in preseason action on August 13.
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