Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has earned a reputation for building strong relationships with his players, understanding that trust and camaraderie are central to a winning culture. While maintaining that bond can be challenging, especially during high-pressure moments like bold fourth-down calls, Campbell’s leadership appears to have fostered confidence rather than tension. Quarterback Jared Goff, who previously had moments of hesitation under such circumstances, now seems fully aligned with Campbell’s approach, executing the game plan with trust and consistency.

When asked about those 4th down decisions, talking to Billy Bush on Hot Mics with Billy Bush Goff shared, “Maybe, I used to be, my first year here, my second year here,” he shared. “I’d be like, we’re going for this one, all right. But now I’m so used to it, I don’t even flinch. I mean, over the last three years, we could be fourth and five, fourth and six, anywhere in the field. And I really don’t start coming off the field until I see the punt team coming on nowadays.”

Continuing about the 4th down decisions, “He puts it on us really. He does. He, you know, puts it in our hands and you feel a lot of responsibility with that.” Goff said. “You want to make his decision the right decision. And I think over time, the more we’ve done it, it creates a little bit of an advantage because we are comfortable in that situation, and teams that aren’t used to doing it just aren’t used to doing it. So it is a little bit of damage in that way. ” Showing Goff’s implicit trust in Campbell’s playcalling.

After Campbell’s coaching, the QB was also asked about his relationship with the coach. Goff shared how the coach taught him about leadership and changed his view of the game. “He is this raw, raw guy, and his speeches are so great and big, you know, meathead-looking guy,” he said, praising the coach. “He’s so dang smart and so good at the X’s and O’s and has taught me a ton that was new to me since I’ve been to Detroit, and it’s been fun to learn from him, and I’m so thankful for him.”

The coach credits his players when asked about how he can find success in these risky moves. The Lions had a similar situation in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. And as expected, the coach made a bold decision. On fourth-and-2 near midfield with under two minutes left while leading by a touchdown, he decided not to punt or kick a field goal. Did it help the Lions?

It resulted in a 20-yard pass from quarterback Goff to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. That helped the touchdown run for the running back David Montgomery on the next play. This decision eventually helped the Lions get a lead and secure a 38-30 win over the Ravens.

After the game, he had massive praise for his players. “I got a tremendous amount of trust in those guys and that’s been built up now in five years,” he said during the postgame press conference. “And that helps. And that offensive line and the way they were playing, it felt like that was the right call.”

While it’s likely that the players had an issue with the coach’s decision in the past, it’s their connection that helps them. He also shares a great bond with the quarterback.

Jared Goff on bond with coach Dan Campbell

After the Lions’ 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings back in January, the QB shared a few wholesome words to praise the coach and his impact on his career.

“He’s been incredible,” Goff said. He’s breathed life into me from the moment I got here,” Goff said. “It’s been a lot of fun to win with him and to have a guy like that believe not only in me but believe in the whole team. At every point in this journey in the last four years, he’s believed in us.”

Goff continued about how Campbell has helped him . “He’s been awesome, he really, he really has. He’s, you know, changed changed my way of thinking and way of seeing the game and like in my way.”  Goff said. “Well, he’s taught me so much about leadership and like how to speak to people and how to handle different situations and how to meet everyone where they’re at.”

Goff continued his admiration ,”You know, leading this guy is different than leading this guy, and he shows me by example. And he leads me in a certain way that I can understand as well.” Goff has really come to his own after coming to Lions and under the tutelege of Campbell.

Goff had an impressive stint with the Los Angeles Rams, where he led the team to an NFC title in the 2018 season. Later, he was traded to the Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford. And in the last few years, he has worked closely with the head coach to lift the team.

After joining the Lions, he had a Pro Bowl performance and led the team to a trip to the NFC Championship in 2023 and a 15-2 record in 2024. While there are issues, the team looks to solve those. The QB and coach hope to continue the trend this season. We will get to witness more of this faith when the Lions face the Vikings in Week 9 after their bye week.