After the Detroit Lions had a stellar 2024-2025 season with Dan Campbell at the helm, everyone questioned the Lions' ability to maintain that success following the loss of multiple top assistant coaches.
Rising star Ben Johnson left the organization to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears after serving as the offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024 and being a part of the Lions' organization since 2019.
Former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also left the organization after being named the new head coach for the New York Jets.
Even after losing multiple rising stars on their coaching staff, the Lions have not skipped a beat and are back in first place in the NFC North.
A large part of the Lions' continued success this season has been their stout defense, especially against the run.
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2025-2026 NFL season, the Lions' defense is ranked No. 7 in yards allowed per game (294.0), and No. 8 in rushing yards allowed per game (94.3).
A key player who is right in the heart of the Lions' defense: former Hawkeye Jack Campbell.
LB: Jack Campbell, Lions 🦁 pic.twitter.com/bwSGaT4x66
— PFF (@PFF) November 8, 2025
Through the first 10 weeks of the season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has given Campbell an elite 91.8 run defense grade, the highest among all linebackers in the NFL.
According to PFF, Campbell is also the only linebacker in the NFL to rank in the top 15 in run, pass rush, and coverage grades.
Hawkeye Football fans remember how important Campbell was in the center of the Iowa defense, and he continues to showcase that in the NFL.
During training camp and workouts this summer, Lions head Coach Dan Campbell stated that he told Jack that the defense was his, and he has taken full advantage of his opportunities this season.