Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recognizes that the offense has faced some early difficulties during training camp, but he remains confident in the team’s potential. Speaking after a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, St. Brown emphasized that adapting to new coaches and system changes takes time, and he trusts the talent around him will eventually lead to success.
“We feel like as an offense, maybe this camp there has been some struggles for us,”
St. Brown said.
“But I think that’s normal. You got new coaches, different things, moving parts… For us, we know the ability that we have—the playmakers, the quarterback, the O-line. It’s just a matter of time.”
The Impact of Losing Coordinators on Detroit’s Growth
The Detroit Lions are adjusting after a significant coaching transition that saw both coordinators depart for head coaching positions. Ben Johnson left for the Chicago Bears, while Aaron Glenn took a role with the New York Jets. These moves, along with other assistant coaches following suit, forced head coach Dan Campbell to overhaul much of the coaching structure in a single offseason.
On NBC’s Pro Football Talk, analysts Mike Florio and Michael Holley discussed how these changes are a consequence of Detroit’s recent success. Florio described it as the “unavoidable cost of success,” explaining that losing top assistants is typical for a strong team. He added that despite the Lions’ talented roster, the team must endure growing pains during this period of transition.
Holley highlighted Campbell’s uncommon approach in handling the staff turnover.
“A lot of coaches wouldn’t allow what Dan Campbell allowed. Belichick, Saban—those guys have always put restrictions on who can leave their staff. Campbell’s taking the opposite approach. He’s betting on himself and his organization,”
Holley explained.
Johnson’s influence on the offense has been significant—under his leadership in 2022, Detroit ranked fifth in points per game (26.9) and fourth in yards per game (378.8). Jared Goff’s career revival and St. Brown’s breakout into a two-time All-Pro with consecutive 1,300+ yard seasons underscore Johnson’s impact. Defense coordinator Aaron Glenn also reshaped the team’s identity; the Lions finished fifth in rush defense and 10th in total defense in 2023-24, generating 54 sacks, the second-most in the league.
The departure of these key coaches explains the initial struggles the offense is facing in camp as they adjust to new systems and strategies.
Dan Campbell’s Steadfast Leadership and Player Confidence
Despite the upheaval, Campbell remains confident in his team, encouraging players to use external doubts as motivation. This mindset resonates with St. Brown, who emphasizes the importance of consistent daily work to overcome early setbacks.
According to reports from practice, St. Brown electrified the Lions’ offensive sessions against Miami’s secondary, highlighting the elevated expectations Detroit has set for itself. Even amid internal challenges, the Lions’ players are demanding more from their performance and preparation.
The task of replacing both Johnson’s efficient play-calling and Glenn’s dominant defensive framework in one offseason is daunting. Still, Campbell’s trust in his coaching system and St. Brown’s continued excellence as Detroit’s All-Pro wide receiver underscore the team’s resilience and strong foundation.
St. Brown summed up the team’s approach by stating,
“As long as we can just keep stacking days, I think we’ll be fine.”
The Road Ahead for Detroit’s Offense and Team Development
The Lions’ ongoing adjustment period is expected given the scale of coaching changes and the complexity of adapting new systems. Nevertheless, St. Brown’s optimism about the offense’s future remains a hopeful sign for Detroit’s fans and organization. Success will depend on the combination of the team’s underlying talent, the staff’s ability to rebuild, and the players’ dedication to consistent improvement.
With key figures like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown continuing to perform at high levels, and Campbell’s firm leadership style, Detroit aims to translate early struggles into long-term growth and competitiveness across the NFL landscape.