The most effective leaders surround themselves with highly talented and motivated individuals who are capable of pushing each other to a whole new level.
From that moment that Dan Campbell was hired as the next head coach of the Detroit Lions, he made it clear that he was going to surround himself with amazing coaches and that leading the team into the future was going to be a collaborative effort.
As Campbell has assembled his staff, one thing that cannot go unnoticed is that he has hired quite a few former players to join forces with him as he looks to build the Lions into a franchise that wins consistently year in and year out.
According to Campbell, who recently spoke to the Detroit News, he did not necessarily have a plan to hire a lot of former players. Instead, his focus was to hire great people who are also great coaches.
“I didn’t write I’m just getting ex-players or find as ex-players as you can,” Campbell told the Detroit News. “I really didn’t go in with that process. I honestly did not think that way. In my head, I said, ‘Where do I find these outstanding men of character, first?’ No different than what (team owner) Sheila (Ford Hamp) did. She kind of set the tone. I’m like, how do I carry on what she wants” I wanted to find the best people I can find, high in character, that are outstanding coaches, right?”
“(Glenn) was getting coffees for guys,” Campbell said. “‘Go get coffee. Go pick up this guy at the airport. Do this paperwork.’ He had to start all over. A Lynn had to start all over. Duce had to start all over. So all these guys, to me, when you have a wealth of experience, you played the position, you’re an outstanding person, you’re an outstanding coach, but then you had to start all over, you have the grit and desire and hunger to learn and grow and do all these things. I don’t know how you miss on guys like that.”
Campbell is clearly doing everything he can to build a coaching staff that is willing to work hard and that is also going to be good for what has been an awful culture for a long time.
