The Lions now regret appointing Dan Campbell as their head coach……
Michigan’s Allen Park Dan Campbell has agreed to terms to take over as head coach of the Detroit Lions, the organization announced today. Campbell will answer directly to President & CEO Rod Wood as well as Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp.
Sheila Ford Hamp, the Lions’ principal owner and chairman
“We are thrilled to announce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions on this great day for our organization. Dan has over 20 years of experience in the National Football League as a player and coach. He is well-versed in the demands of the game and what it takes to succeed in it. He brings tremendous energy, a respect for the game, and an identity that everyone can identify with. He will also aid in advancing the culture we wish to create throughout our business.”
Rod Wood, President and CEO of Lions
“Dan’s enthusiasm for this chance was clear during our interview. Finding the ideal leader who shares our dedication to creating a winning culture founded on cooperation and organizational alignment was crucial when we started looking for a head coach. Dan is ready for this next step, and we are thrilled to have him as our new head coach because of the leadership he has demonstrated throughout his football career.”
Eleven of Campbell’s 22 years in the NFL are spent as a coach and the remaining 11 are spent as a player with the Lions. He most recently worked for the New Orleans Saints as their tight ends coach and assistant head coach, a role he had since 2016.
Over his five years as New Orleans’ coach, the team won four NFC South division titles, led the NFL in net yardage (31,147), touchdowns (277), and points scored (2,361), and had the third-most victories (56) in the league. Campbell guided tight end Jared Cook to a Pro Bowl appearance in 2019.
As the Miami Dolphins’ temporary head coach in 2015, Campbell turned around a 1-3 squad and led them to a 5-7 season. Under Campbell’s leadership, Miami’s rushing yards per game ranks rose eight spots in the NFL, and five Dolphins were chosen for the Pro Bowl in 2015. After serving as a coaching intern for the Dolphins in 2010, Campbell went on to manage the tight ends unit for five seasons (2011–15).
After an 11-year playing career with the New York Giants (1999-2002), Dallas Cowboys (2003-05), Detroit Lions (2006-08), and New Orleans Saints (2009), Campbell joined the NFL coaching ranks. The former tight end was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. During his career, he appeared in 114 games (76 starts), catching 91 catches for 934 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is the first head coach to be named full-time for the team since Joe Schmidt, who was head coach from 1967 to 1972 while playing for Detroit from 1953 to 1965. He is the fifth former player to have played for the Lions.
Campbell, a native of Clifton, Texas, studied agricultural development as a major and was a four-year letterman for the Aggies at Texas A&M. Cody, a son, and Piper, a daughter, are the children of Campbell and his wife, Holly.
