The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s top teams this season, but great coaches are always looking for ways to improve, and Dan Campbell is no exception. Following a change he made to the offense during Detroit’s Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders, Campbell recently announced that the adjustment would be permanent.
Dan Campbell Makes Permanent Adjustment to Lions’ Offense
During the 2024 season, when the Lions’ offense was dominating the league, most fans credited that success to former offensive coordinator and now Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
While Johnson’s impact was undeniable, fans often overlook Campbell’s history as a successful play caller. Ahead of Detroit’s game against the Commanders, Campbell announced he would take over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton.
The change paid off immediately. Detroit routed Washington for 44 points, and not only does the final score back up Campbell’s decision, but so does the data. According to PFSN’s OFFi metric, the Lions’ offense had a 91.0 rating in Week 10, the best in the league that week and the team’s second-best offensive output of the 2025 season.
With the Lions’ strong offensive showing against the Commanders, Campbell announced on Sunday that he will keep playcalling duties for the rest of the season. Seasoned NFL insider, Ari Meirov, wrote on X, “#Lions HC Dan Campbell told @JayGlazer he is taking over offensive play-calling permanently for the rest of the season.”
#Lions HC Dan Campbell told @JayGlazer he is taking over offensive play-calling permanently for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/CYrjaAzemU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 16, 2025
It may seem like a bold move for the Lions to make halfway through the season, especially considering their offense had already been one of the league’s best before Campbell took over playcalling. However, minor adjustments like this can be the difference between being a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.
Detroit plays in the NFC North, one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. In the second half of the 2025 season, they will be competing not only for a playoff spot but also for their second straight division championship.
Making this change demonstrates that Campbell identified an issue within the team and took action on it before the playoffs, which in turn should give the Lions the best chance for postseason success.
It will be interesting to see if Campbell can replicate his Week 10 success as a play caller in Week 11 when the Lions face the 7-2 Philadelphia Eagles, whose defense ranks 13th in the NFL this season according to PFSN’s DEFi metric.
If Detroit’s offense performs well against the Eagles with Campbell calling plays, it will prove that the change was the right move by the head coach and one that will ultimately benefit the Lions in the long run.