It’s official! On Wednesday morning, sources confirmed that New Orleans Saints TE Coach/Assistant Head Coach Dan Campbell has agreed to a deal to become the next Head Coach of the Detroit Lions. Campbell might not have been the biggest name of the potential coaches on the market, but Lions fans can still see him as a beacon of hope for the future.
The #Lions and #Saints TEs coach/AHC Dan Campbell have agreed to terms on a contract to make him Detroit’s new head coach, source said. What was expected is now official.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2021
Who Is Dan Campbell?
As a tight end from Texas A&M, Dan Campbell was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He was with the Giants until 2002 when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. After some time in Dallas, he moved on to Detroit. While in the Motor City, he was part of the 0-16 2008 Lions team. In 2009, he signed with the Saints. However, an MCL injury in training camp caused him to miss the season and eventually retire.
For those who don’t know, Dan Campbell does have some prior head coaching experience. As part of the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, he was named interim head coach in 2015 after the firing of Joe Philbin. Campbell coached the Dolphins to a 5-7 record during his time as interim coach. After that, he joined Sean Payton’s staff in New Orleans as tight ends coach and assistant head coach.
A New Era Begins
With the tumultuous “Quinn-Tricia” era coming to an end, a new age of the Detroit Lions is here. The Holmes-Campbell era. Given the organization’s history, Lions fans have plenty of reason to be cynical. What makes this new coach and GM combo any different from the failed ones of the past?
Nobody can predict immediate success for this new regime, especially given the current state of this team. However, change like this always brings with it the hope for things to come. Campbell has been described as a tremendous leader who earned the respect of his teammates as a player and respect from his players as a coach.
Man I would absolutely love if the @Lions hired Dan Campbell as their next HC. Played with Dan-awesome leader. Great teammate. Toughness embodied and well connected throughout the league to assemble a strong staff.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 15, 2021
Depending on your feelings on Dan Orlovsky, you might not think his endorsement is good enough. Despite that, Dan Campbell brings a fresh breath of life to the Detroit Lions. Matt Patricia was hired with the expectations to bring the team to the next level. He failed and now Campbell has to pick up the pieces and build back to what Jim Caldwell had and then go further. Can he do it? Only time will tell. For now, all I can say is welcome to Detroit Dan Campbell!
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