Dan Campbell “Not Surprised” by Ben Johnson’s Move Amidst Praise From the HC
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine Feb 25, 2025 Indianapolis, IN, USA Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Indianapolis Scouting Combine Indiana United States, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20250225_jhp_al2_0352
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine Feb 25, 2025 Indianapolis, IN, USA Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Indianapolis Scouting Combine Indiana United States, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20250225_jhp_al2_0352
Dan Campbell isn't surprised by the rapid rise of young coaching prodigy Declan Doyle. Following a move orchestrated by former Lions OC Ben Johnson, Campbell explained exactly why Doyle was always destined for a top job.
“When I was with him in New Orleans, somebody made a comment about how young he seems, and he is young. Even back then, when he was seven years younger, you would never know it," Campbell said about Doyle.
"The minute the football is laid out, you seehis passion. So, I'm not surprised one bit. Not surprised that Ben hired him. he did a great job, and now he is where he is at," Campbell said during the February 24 press conference.
In fact, the Lions' head coach even pointed upwards during the statement, signalling that he believes even better things are coming Doyle's way in the future.
February 18, 2026, Owings Mills, Maryland, USA - United States: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle during a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Owings Mills, Maryland. Owings Mills USA - United States - ZUMAm67_ 20260218_zaf_m67_019 Copyright: xBrianxKristax
February 18, 2026, Owings Mills, Maryland, USA - United States: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle during a news conference on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Owings Mills, Maryland. Owings Mills USA - United States - ZUMAm67_ 20260218_zaf_m67_019 Copyright: xBrianxKristax
Campbell and Doyle worked together with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2020, where Campbell was the assistant head coach, and Doyle was an offensive assistant.
So Dan Campbell has seen firsthand how much the new Ravens' OC enjoys coaching. "When he coaches, you see him, he comes alive," added the Lions HC.
Is Declan Doyle on His Way to Becoming a Head Coach?
Declan Doyle’s career has been on an upward curve. After his stint with the Denver Broncos under Sean Payton and then under Ben Johnson with the Bears, Doyle has now moved to the Baltimore Ravens.
Head coaches everywhere are showing praise for the young 29-year-old offensive coordinator. In a recent interview, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said about his former tight ends coach, “Right away, if you’re a player or a coach, you’re like, 'This guy knows his s***.”
Ben Johnson, too, is all praise for his former offensive coordinator. “He’s seasoned beyond his years. This has been his calling. Those guys are getting someone really, really good,” Johnson said about Doyle.
Currently, the NFL’s youngest coordinator, Declan Doyle, helped the Chicago Bears' offense rank sixth in the league with 369.5 yards per game. However, thier rushing attack did even better under him, ranking inside the top-five at third.
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Written by
Shyam Hari
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi