Lions’ Dan Campbell ‘doesn’t care’ about potential Ben Johnson ‘tricks’

With the Detroit Lions facing the Chicago Bears and head coach Ben Johnson, it will be a reunion of sorts for Dan Campbell, leading his team into somewhat familiar territory. While fans lock in their predictions for the Lions and Bears matchup, Campbell speaks on facing the NFC North rival and the tricks that could be thrown their way.

The reason for a reunion is that Johnson served as offensive coordinator for Detroit from 2022 to 2024, building up his name as a top mind on that side of the ball. Tasked now with ushering in a new era to Chicago, Johnson had been known for using trick plays, as Campbell would be asked about the potential use.

Let's just say that Campbell does not “really care about trick plays” and is more focused on the “meat and potatoes” of the game, according to NBC Sports.

“You’ll practice one or two things — you do for every opponent — but I don’t really care about trick plays,” Campbell said. “Let’s just handle the meat and potatoes of an offense, a defense, what we think they’re gonna hang their hat on, let’s stop that first, let’s worry about that, let’s make sure we’re all on point, and we’ll handle the other stuff.”

“They may hit us on one. That’s alright, that happens. Get back to the huddle and let’s go on to the next play,” Campbell continued.

Lions' Dan Campbell on being prepared for Bears' Ben Johnson

With the Lions looking to bounce back after a sloppy outing in the first week of the regular season in the loss to the Green Bay Packers, one aspect will be to not let the Bears catch them off guard. There's no denying that trick plays could be Chicago's catalyst in winning the game, but Campbell has the mindset of not letting those types of scenarios impact them greatly.

“We’ve got a menu, a very large menu of things,” Campbell said. “There can be anything. We’ll be good. You can’t sit there and paralyze yourself with what if, what if, what if. The most important thing is, you get in trouble if you can’t handle the nuts and bolts of an offense. If you can’t stop the run, we bleed out explosives, then that’s where you can get in trouble. I’m not worried about the other stuff.”

It will no doubt be an intense game that was already so because of the divisional rivalry, but it has added an extra wrinkle with the Detroit connection of Johnson being the Bears' new head coach. Campbell would express how Johnson will “always” be his friend, but the goal remains to win the contest.

“Listen, Ben’s my friend,” Campbell said, according to The Athletic. “He’s always going to be my friend. Nothing about that’s going to change. We’re going in, getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game. We have to.”

Detroit looks for its first win of the season when it takes on Chicago on Sunday.

BREAKING: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Welcome Back Legendary Quarterback as Assistant Coach – A Historic Homecoming for the Franchise!

In a move that has sent waves of excitement through Tampa Bay, legendary quarterback Tom Brady has officially returned to the Buccaneers—this time as an Assistant Coach. After a legendary playing career that reshaped the franchise and cemented his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Brady’s return signals a new era for the Buccaneers. Fans everywhere are celebrating this monumental reunion, which promises to inject new life and energy into the team as they aim for greatness once again.

A Superstar Returns: The Story Behind the Comeback

Tom Brady’s name is synonymous with success, both in New England and Tampa Bay. After joining the Buccaneers in 2020, Brady led the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season, proving that age is just a number. His leadership, poise, and unrivaled ability to perform in clutch moments elevated the franchise to heights it had never seen before. Following his retirement in 2023, many fans wondered if Brady would ever return to the team in some capacity. Now, the moment has arrived: Brady is back, but this time, he’s bringing his unparalleled expertise to the coaching staff.

Brady’s return as Assistant Coach is the result of an invitation from Head Coach Todd Bowles, who recognized the value Brady could bring in shaping the team’s future quarterbacks and overall offensive strategy. This homecoming marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Buccaneers—one that combines Brady’s legendary experience with the team’s rising talent.

Why This Reunion Matters: More Than Just a Coaching Role

While it’s not unusual for retired players to transition into coaching, Brady’s return carries a much deeper significance for the Buccaneers. This isn’t just about adding another coach—it’s about reuniting the team with a figure who embodies everything that the Bucs strive to represent: excellence, leadership, and championship mentality.

What Tom Brady Brings to the Buccaneers:

Mentorship: Brady’s presence as a mentor will be invaluable for the current quarterbacks and young players on the roster. His insight into the game—both mentally and physically—will help guide the next generation of players as they navigate the demands of the NFL.
Leadership: Brady’s leadership is unparalleled. His ability to command a huddle, inspire confidence in his teammates, and rise to the occasion in critical moments is something the Buccaneers can now pass on to their future leaders.
Success Mindset: As someone who’s won seven Super Bowls and played in 10, Brady’s mindset is focused on what it takes to win at the highest level. His role will be pivotal in instilling a winning mentality throughout the team, especially in high-pressure situations.

For the Bucs’ current quarterbacks, having Brady on the sidelines is an opportunity to learn from the best. His guidance will be an invaluable resource as they work to develop and refine their skills under his watchful eye.

Buccaneers Fans React: Overwhelming Excitement and Pride

The news of Brady’s return has absolutely electrified Buccaneers fans, with social media erupting in celebration. Tampa Bay’s fanbase, known as “Bucs Nation,” quickly took to Twitter, Instagram, and fan forums, flooding the platforms with messages of support and excitement. The hashtag #BradyIsBack quickly trended, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. One fan posted: “Tom Brady is BACK where he belongs! This is the best news for the Bucs!”

Sports analysts and NFL pundits also praised the decision, recognizing the invaluable asset Brady represents to the team. Brady’s return is seen not just as a sentimental gesture, but as a strategic move to bring the franchise back to its championship-contending ways. His ability to elevate the play of others is well-documented, and now, he’ll be using that same talent to shape Tampa Bay’s future.

Challenges Ahead: How Will Brady Transition into Coaching?

While Tom Brady’s transition into coaching will undoubtedly be a positive one, it’s not without its challenges. Coaching requires a different skill set than playing, and Brady’s ability to teach, inspire, and communicate effectively with younger players will be crucial. However, if there’s one thing we know about Brady, it’s that he thrives on challenges and is willing to put in the work to succeed.

His wealth of experience, combined with his natural leadership abilities, will make him an asset to the Buccaneers in more ways than one. Brady’s role won’t just be about teaching quarterbacks how to throw a football; it will be about preparing them mentally and emotionally for the pressures of the NFL, something Brady himself mastered over the course of his legendary career.

The Bigger Picture: Legends Coming Back to Shape the Future

Brady’s return mirrors a broader trend in sports, where retired legends come full circle to impact the game from the sidelines. His return to the Buccaneers signifies not just a commitment to excellence, but an investment in the long-term success of the franchise. His presence on the coaching staff sends a clear message: the Bucs are focused on sustained greatness, and they are willing to use all resources—especially their legendary players—to get there.

Tom Brady’s impact extends far beyond his playing career. He is an example of what it means to be relentless, dedicated, and always striving to be better. By bringing him back into the fold, the Buccaneers are setting the stage for a future that continues to honor their legacy while building toward new triumphs.

What This Means for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Their Fans

For fans, Brady’s return is a reminder that the Buccaneers are committed to excellence at every level. This isn’t just about reliving the glory of 2020; it’s about using that success as a foundation for even greater accomplishments. Brady’s return will inspire the team and the fanbase alike, and it signals that the Buccaneers are primed to once again compete at the highest level.

As the 2026 season approaches, Brady’s influence will be felt throughout the organization. His role as Assistant Coach is just the beginning of a new era for the Buccaneers, one that blends experience and youth, legacy and future success.

Conclusion: A Homecoming That Will Shape the Future

Tom Brady’s return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Assistant Coach is far more than just a coaching hire—it’s a return of a living legend, the extension of a championship legacy, and a new chapter for the Bucs as they look to dominate the NFL once again. Brady’s leadership, guidance, and winning mentality will serve as the bedrock for the team’s future success.

With Tom Brady back on the sidelines, the Buccaneers are in great hands. Get ready for another exciting chapter in Tampa Bay football, one that is sure to bring more championships to a city that has already experienced the best.