The Detroit Lions have their man.
The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell as their next head coach, succeeding interim Darrell Bevell following the dismissal of Matt Patricia. Campbell is viewed as a motivating force in the locker room and is known for being able to get the most of of his players.
Campbell has already begun to endear himself to the Lions fanbase.
“We’re gonna to put Motown back on the map!” he exclaimed in his first message to the fans.
And you can bet that Lions fans will appreciate the background their new head coach brings to the Motor City.
Principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp touched on Campbell’s experience during today’s introductory press conference, stating that he’ll be bringing energy and a new identity:
“This is an exciting day for our organization as we introduce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions,” she said. “With more than 20 years of experience as both a coach and player in the National Football League, Dan knows the rigors of professional football and what it takes to be successful. He will help promote the culture we want to establish across our organization, while also bringing with him high energy, a respect for the game and an identity with which everyone can align themselves.”
Before the hiring was made official, we saw two former members of the team offer positive analysis of Campbell’s background and what he can bring to Detroit.
Having been selected by the New York Giants in 1999, he was part of the team that qualified for Super Bowl XXXV. He later joined the Dallas Cowboys and became a key element of the team’s offensive line.
Of course, he also suited up for the Lions, having agreed to a free-agent deal with the team in 2006. He was released in February of 2009.
However, he’d spend the entire next season on IR as a member of the New Orleans Saints.
It wouldn’t be long before he began his coaching career. Hired by the Miami Dolphins as an intern, he would soon be promoted to tight ends coach, and eventually took over as interim head coach following the dismissal of Joe Philbin.
He soon returned to New Orleans to coach under Sean Payton as an assistant/tight ends coach.
As a former player, Campbell is well aware of the need of coaches adjusting to the players. He said as much during a recent appearance on “The LiucciCast,” a Texas A&M podcast:
“You have to be willing to listen and I feel like there needs to be more of a working relationship with your athletes, certainly at the NFL level these are grown men that we’re dealing with,” Campbell said. “So I always approach it as we’re working together. Now rookies are a little different but once you’ve been trained a little bit, we are working together.
“Now, how do I make your job easier? That’s my job. How do I pull the most out of you? That’s my job as a coach. Your job is to use me as a resource, player, so what do you need from me? How can I help you?”
Campbell is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, and you can bet he’ll approach his goal of putting Detroit back on the map with the same intensity that’s become his calling card throughout his NFL career.
