Not that it comes as any surprise, but Dan Campbell and the Lions are parting ways with offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn after Sunday's season finale against the Packers, according to the NFL Network.
Campbell confirmed the move Monday afternoon.
Lynn had his play-calling duties stripped after Detroit scored 20 points just once in the first eight games of the season. It scored 20 points four times in the final nine games after Campbell took over. The offense also made gains on the ground and QB Jared Goff played significantly better.
After posting eight touchdowns, six picks and a passer rating of 85.3 with Lynn calling plays, Goff improved to 11 touchdowns, two picks and a rating of 101.8 under Campbell. It was reported in the wake of the play-caller switch that there were 'personality clashes' between Lynn and Goff, though Goff later denied that report.
Lynn, 53, literally put his life on hold to join Campbell -- and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn -- in Detroit, opting to team up with two of his former players rather than take a year off from football for the first time in his career. It just didn't work out. Sometimes that happens.
"It just wasn’t a fit," Campbell said Monday. "You want it to be, but we never found our groove or our rhythm, if you will. It’s hard to really, truly pinpoint. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way you want. That’s really the best answer I can give you.”
Goff, for his part, thanked Lynn "for everything he did, and his hard work."
"It doesn't go unnoticed," said Goff. "I hope I get to talk to him at some point here soon and let him know the way he handled the whole season is remarkable and truly professional. We really do appreciate it. Because he could have had a bad attitude, and he didn't. He handled himself really well, and it was cool to see."
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At any rate, Campbell will be looking for a new offensive coordinator this offseason. He might not have to look far. Detroit's tight ends coach Ben Johnson is a natural candidate for the job after assuming a bigger role in game-planning, especially in the passing game, following Lynn's demotion.
Goff said last month that Johnson, one day, will 'absolutely' be a full-fledged offensive coordinator in the NFL. Question is, will that be in Detroit? And will Campbell's next OC have play-calling duties?
The head coach said this week he hasn't made any plays in that regard for next season, but hinted that he might continue as the play-caller himself.
"I know that I’m getting a lot more comfortable and I feel like this is something that I do believe I can do and be good at," Campbell said.
