Does Inspiration Still Work When the Play-Callers Move On?

In the NFL, Dan Campbell has become synonymous with grit, resilience, and culture in Detroit. His “culture guy” identity is legendary—winning hearts, building unity, and fostering a tough, unbreakable mindset in the Lions’ locker room which has translated to the field and to the fandom. But this offseason, Campbell faced a paradox every culture-driven leader must.

His high-performing coordinators on both sides of the ball earned head coaching roles elsewhere. Ben Johnson leads the Chicago Bears, while Aaron Glenn watches over the New York Jets. Their success didn’t just come from alignment with and buying into Campbell’s culture, it came from outright mastery of their craft. And that distinction has profound leadership implications.

Elevating the Assistants: Stronger Schemes Matter

In Detroit, Johnson’s offense ranked among the league’s best last year: top five in scoring and second in passing yards. Similarly, Glenn’s defense finished seventh in points allowed. Yet, what caught attention wasn’t just the culture—they were coaches making systems hum and making success look easy.

Johnson’s Bears debut on Monday Night Football against the Vikings brings optimism to Chicago despite the crushing 4th quarter defeat. Meanwhile, Glenn, despite a Jets loss to the Steelers, set a tone of accountability and refusal to accept moral victories with this quote already making the round: “You will not be on the field if you are going to cause us to lose games.”

Great culture draws attention, but great performance transforms careers.

The Hidden Leadership Lesson

If your culture signals “only alignment matters,” you risk underestimating the brilliance of specialized coaching. A culture can't scale if people believe identity trumps performance excellence. Real talent breaks out, and that’s good leadership in action, not a failure of culture.

Here’s what leaders must consider:

• Invite specialization within cohesion. Great coaches fit the culture, but they’re recognized for their vision, too.

• Ensure succession doesn’t feel like a cultural void. When key leaders leave, what remains in place must be resilient.

• Support growth across tiers. Your culture should create space for both thinkers and doers.

What’s Next for These Teams?

Lions:

Despite the early loss to the Packers, Campbell is navigating the gap with confidence, noting the team’s correctable issues and readiness to improve.

Bears:

Ben Johnson’s arrival has sparked off-season optimism, especially around developing QB Caleb Williams. His offensive credentials promise potential, though challenges loom in a tough division as illustrated last night when, after a strong start and a 17-6 lead heading into the 4th quarter, Johnson’s Bears gave up 21 points to the rival Minnesota and handed the Vikings’ rookie quarterback his first win on Monday Night.

Jets:

Aaron Glenn’s Jets may have lost a close game, but his message—“close isn’t good enough”—signals a shift to results-first culture. It’s clear he’s building something different with a firm foundation, something long overdue for the New Jets and their fanbase. The perennial AFC East division winner comes to town in the Buffalo Bills next weekend and if inputs don’t change during this week’s practice, the outcome may look similar again. 

Final Take

Culture creates identity, but performance defines and sustains momentum. Dan Campbell built a powerful culture; now, it's time to nurture new coaches who excel within it—and make sure structures and performance remain strong when they move on.

Whether you are on the field or in an office, success in leadership means building teams that thrive, and systems that endure long after your tenure is over. That balance is what turns culture into performance.

Food for Thought: If you were to move on tomorrow, what are you leaving your team with?