Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who has guided the franchise to levels of success longtime fans once thought impossible, found himself ranked outside the top 10 in CBS Sports’ latest list of the NFL’s best coaches.
The ranking placed Campbell behind two NFC North rivals: former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Johnson landed at No. 6 overall. LaFleur checked in at No. 10. Campbell finished just outside that group.
Since Campbell took over as head coach, the Lions have climbed from consistent also-rans to genuine contenders. The former NFL tight end, who once played for Detroit during its 0-16 season in 2008, led the team to within a half of its first Super Bowl appearance. The following year brought a dominant 15-2 regular season. Both campaigns ended in painful playoff exits.
In 2025 the Lions slipped to 9-8 and missed the postseason entirely.Still, few dispute the culture Campbell has built. Players who have passed through the locker room routinely praise his leadership and the buy-in he generates.
CBS Sports’ ranking, however, did not reflect that standing as highly as many Lions supporters expected.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports 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, Pereles 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?”
Campbell’s postseason record as a head coach stands at 2-2. Johnson is 0-1. LaFleur is 3-6.
After two straight playoff appearances and an NFC North title, the Lions’ 2025 regression prompted Campbell to stress fundamentals heading into the new season.
“I want to know that we can run the football. I want to know we can stop the run,” Campbell said. “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.”
Those priorities will face an early test. Once training camp wraps up, Detroit opens the preseason against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 13.
Campbell’s supporters argue the ranking undervalues the transformation he engineered in a franchise long defined by losing. Critics of the list note that sustained excellence and deep playoff runs remain the ultimate measuring sticks, areas where Campbell’s teams have come close but not yet fully delivered.
For now, the Lions will focus on the basics Campbell outlined. Whether that approach restores the team to the upper tier of the conference could determine how future rankings view the coach who changed the culture in Detroit.
