Jason Kelce Drops Surprising Praise for NFC North Coach—What He Said Will Shock Fans

You ever watch a team that just seems to have it all figured out—like they’ve cracked some secret code nobody else even knows exists? That’s exactly the vibe the Detroit Lions are giving off right now under the steerage of Dan Campbell. Coming into their Week 8 bye boasting a 5-2 ledger and sitting pretty in second place in the NFC North, these Lions are not your average underdog story; nope, they’re morphing into bona fide Super Bowl contenders. And here’s the kicker—ESPN’s own Jason Kelce, a guy who’s seen NFL battles up close and personal, didn’t just tip his hat but practically threw a parade for Campbell’s coaching genius and how the team’s defense shrugged off serious injuries to lock down one of the league’s most explosive offenses. So, what’s the secret sauce simmering in Detroit’s locker room? Stick around, because unraveling this enigma might just leave you rethinking who’s the real powerhouse in the North.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: ESPN Broadcaster Jason Kelce looks on before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium on October 06, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. — (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions entered their Week 8 bye with a 5-2 record and second place in the NFC North.

Their standing has drawn growing attention as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, particularly after their latest performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Detroit delivered a commanding 24-9 victory that showcased a defense capable of stifling one of the league’s more dynamic offenses.

The performance became a talking point on the New Heights Podcast, where Jason and Travis Kelce analyzed what makes this Lions team so formidable under head coach Dan Campbell.

Jason Kelce praised Campbell’s coaching approach and the team’s ability to overcome significant personnel challenges.

“Dan Campbell is a great coach, man,” Jason said. “We don’t talk about it enough. He’s dealing with an entire secondary that’s out. (Brian) Branch is out. Kerby Joseph’s out. They’re missing one of their starting corners, their nickel, Avonte Maddox. Like, they are decimated. And these dudes showed up, and they weren’t afraid to play man to man. They’re mixing in all the zone coverages, doing all this stuff. But, there’s not a team that has their self-identity figured out, in my opinion, better than Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions.”

1 minute and 16 seconds straight of Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce praising Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions

(via: @newheightshow) pic.twitter.com/rN6rTGmKKy

— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@the_det_times) October 24, 2025

Campbell has built a clear identity in Detroit through consistent emphasis on physicality and aggressive play.

The Lions attack opposing trenches with purpose and challenge quarterbacks through man-to-man coverage principles despite missing key defensive backs.

That approach reflects a philosophy Campbell has reinforced through losses and roster changes, including the departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching positions.

The roster features established playmakers like quarterback Jared Goff, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tight end Sam LaPorta.

Emerging contributors, including Jameson Williams, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, and Kerby Joseph, have stepped up when needed most.

The group operates with cohesion that reflects Campbell’s demanding standards on every snap.

Detroit has exceeded expectations after losing both coordinators to division rivals.

Campbell continues guiding the Lions toward championship contention with a battle-tested roster that embodies his vision for physical, disciplined football.

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