As the Miami Dolphins kick off their 2025 training camp earlier than most teams, they’re also diving headfirst into one of the more intriguing aspects of their preseason schedule: joint practices with two familiar faces — Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson.
Campbell, who spent time as Miami’s interim head coach in 2015, will return to face his old team — this time on the opposing sideline as head coach of the Detroit Lions. Alongside him, former Dolphins offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now calling plays for Detroit, will share the field with the franchise that helped launch his coaching career.
The connection between these two and the Dolphins isn’t just professional — it’s personal.
And with both now leading the Lions’ explosive offense, their return to Miami’s radar brings added intrigue.
The Dolphins’ Joint Practice Strategy
Joint practices have become an essential part of NFL preseason prep, offering players high-level reps against fresh competition, and the Dolphins are leaning in.
Their full joint practice schedule includes:
- August 8: vs Chicago Bears in Lake Forest, IL
- August 13: vs Detroit Lions in Allen Park, MI
These sessions come just ahead of preseason games and serve as key moments to test chemistry, evaluate depth, and fine-tune game plans before Week 1.
For Miami, facing off with the Bears first and then the Lions gives them early exposure to different defensive schemes — and a chance to measure themselves against two rising teams in the NFC North and AFC.
But beyond X’s and O’s, there’s a deeper story here.
How Campbell and Johnson Built Their Legacies
Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson didn’t just work together in Miami — they built something real.
Campbell was named the Dolphins’ interim head coach in 2015 after spending years as a player and assistant coach in South Florida. Though he didn’t get the permanent job, he left behind a culture of energy, accountability, and grit.
Johnson, who served as Miami’s tight ends coach and later quarterbacks coach, quickly became known as one of the league’s brightest young minds. His ability to develop Tua Tagovailoa during the QB’s early years earned him praise across the league and eventually led to his rise as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.
Now, they’re not just back in the Dolphins’ world — they’re doing battle against them.
And if last season is any indication, Miami should take notice.
Why This Reunion Carries Weight
The Dolphins’ upcoming matchups aren’t just another set of preseason games — they’re a reunion with two figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the current direction of the franchise.
While both have moved on, their fingerprints remain all over the organization, especially in how the offense is built around timing, tempo, and quarterback development.
Head coach Mike McDaniel spoke about the emotional side of the matchup:
“It’s always good to see those guys again. They were part of our family. Now they’re on the other side, but we respect what they’ve done.”
That respect is mutual.
Campbell recently reflected on his time with Miami:
“I learned a lot being in Miami. That opportunity changed my path. I’ll always appreciate that.”
Strategic Scheduling: Midwest Momentum?
With the first joint practice against the Bears in Lake Forest, Illinois, followed by a session with the Lions in Allen Park, Michigan, some fans are already speculating whether the Dolphins will stay in the Midwest for extended preparation.
Given the open date from August 6–19, it’s possible.
Staying in the region could give the Dolphins a focused environment to drill new concepts without distractions, and let players acclimate faster to the intensity of live contact.
It also means facing off with two teams coached by former Dolphins staff — a dynamic that adds emotional stakes to an otherwise routine preseason event.
Commitment to Culture and Community
The Dolphins continue to emphasize fan engagement and team cohesion as they approach training camp.
Free public access to early workouts at training camp shows the team’s investment in connecting with supporters, many of whom remember when Campbell roamed the sidelines and Johnson worked with the likes of Tua and DeVante Parker.
Fans are excited. Players are locked in.
And for Campbell and Johnson?
This won’t feel like just another stop on the NFL calendar.
It’ll feel like coming home — even if only for a few days.
Final Takeaway: More Than Just Practice — It’s Personal
The Miami Dolphins’ decision to hold joint practices with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions isn’t just strategic — it’s symbolic.
It reflects the NFL’s interconnected coaching tree, the impact of mentorship, and the evolving identity of a franchise still chasing its next chapter of success.
And for fans?
Seeing Campbell and Johnson square off with their old team offers a rare glimpse into the past, while setting the stage for what could be a defining season in the present.
Because in football, rivalries don’t just form on the field.
They’re made through shared history and hard-fought growth.
