NFC North Head Coach Arms Race
It can be argued now that the NFC North has become one of, if not the most competitive divisions in the National Football League. With the Chicago Bears luring Ben Johnson away from Detroit, we now have 4 very dynamic head coaches. Let’s take a look at the four horsemen of the black and blue division.
Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions
• Transformed Lions from pretender to contender
• “Bite Kneecaps” mentality
• Aggressive 4th down philosophy (led NFL in 4th down attempts)
Matt LaFleur – Green Bay Packers
• Shanahan-tree disciple with modern adaptations
• Best winning percentage among active coaches (.721)
• Emphasis on team culture and adaptability
Kevin O’Connell – Minnesota Vikings
• Proven ability to maximize different QB skill sets
• Prioritizes situational football and game management
• Emphasizes 3rd down conversions and red zone efficiency
Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears
• Developed Lions record-breaking 2023 offense
• Versatile skill position usage
• Uses pre-snap motion, misdirection, and player-specific packages
The Vikings, Packers and Bears are developing young QB’s, while the Lions have Goff in his prime. Looking ahead a few years, it looks like the NFC North will be very competitive for years to come. Switching back to the present-day, we won’t have to wait long to see an exciting week one matchup on Monday Night Football September 8th in Chicago.
Dan Brown
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)
A career-changing journey has led me to pursue a passion for NFL writing, fueled by decades of unwavering devotion to the Chicago Bears. I am focused on crafting compelling NFL content. Drawing on a unique skill set honed from self-publishing three children’s picture books, this Chicago native, now residing in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom in SE Kansas, offers a unique viewpoint on the NFL landscape, combining a deep understanding of Bears history with a front-row seat to the modern dominance of the Chiefs. With a background as a retired cook and an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, the transition to writing has been a natural progression, providing a fulfilling outlet for a passion that has always been expressed best on paper. Eager to contribute engaging and insightful NFL articles to a wider audience, I am seeking opportunities to leverage this blend of lifelong fandom, creative writing experience, and dedication to the craft.