The Detroit Lions are back in first place in the NFC North, but their ascent to the top has been much bumpier in 2025 than previous seasons.
Detroit's offense has been solid this season, led by Jared Goff and his weaponry. In spite of that, the Lions have also been inconsistent. They made a massive change in Week 10, with head coach Dan Campbell taking over play calling from offensive coordinator John Morton.
In a 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders, the Lions racked up 546 total yards and 30 first-downs. Jahmyr Gibbs re-emerged with two touchdowns, and Jameson Williams put up 119 yards and a score. It was an impressive showing with Campbell at the helm even by Detroit's lofty standards.
Campbell's move to start calling plays could be a decision that tips the scales for him to become the Coach of the Year. Arguably, it's an honor Campbell has deserved since taking the Lions to the top of the league even though he hasn't yet received it.
Rich Eisen believes Campbell's big decision in 2025 could be a move that catapults him over the top. On "The Rich Eisen Show," he praised the move and hinted it could be what finally puts Campbell on the radar for the award.
"If the Lions continue to do what I think they're going to do because I chose them to win the NFC going into the season -- I know Coach of the Year is usually chosen out of surprise candidates like Shane Steichen for the 8-2 Colts or Mike Vrabel for the 8-2 Patriots -- (but Campbell could win). To make a move like this and say 'I'm taking over the play calling and by the way I'm going to keep it quiet and then I'm not only going to keep it quiet, I'm going to tamp it down.' (is impressive)."
As Eisen points out, Campbell quietly joining the ranks of successful head coaches turned play callers is very notable, especially seeing as how successful all of them have been in the league.
"Campbell's going to be the play caller and the dice roller and the leader. That's a hell of a lot. He's now doing what what Sean Payton's doing. Name me another Andy Reid. He's like, 'I'm doing it.' Kyle Shanahan. Everyone thinks Dan Campbell's just being there as the emotional leader, and you follow me to run through a brick wall and then I'll just make some sort of crazy move on fourth-down and it'll work out. He's now calling the plays. What a move out of nowhere."
Campbell called plays in 2021 after the dismissal of Anthony Lynn, eventually anointing Ben Johnson as coordinator. Whether Morton gets his job back or someone else is selected remains to be seen, but the move could prove significant in the short-term for Detroit.
Eisen believes Campbell took a huge risk with decision to call plays
While the decision by Campbell to become a play caller paid immediate dividends, it may not have ended up well had things failed in Week 10. As Eisen explained, the decision to take the play sheet from Morton is a bold move that could have backfired.
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"What a risk. We're just going to change the play callers in the middle of the campaign at 5-3. We're going to change the play calling. What if it didn't work out? Now you go back to the other play caller. 'I just wanted to try it. Didn't work out.' Let's go back to the other guy and it'll be like, 'Oh, okay. So, choice B is now choice A again because you thought you were choice A and you wound up being choice C.' Wow. I mean, that is significant."
Coaches are paid to make such moves, and the fact that very few of them rock the boat so significantly says plenty about Campbell. He is the unquestioned leader of the Lions, and his successful strategic move could prove he is the top coach in the league.