W.G. Brady
Dan Campbell Is Climbing In The Rankings
When Dan Campbell was appointed as the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2021, he inherited a franchise that was reeling from poor management under former head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn. Fast forward to today, Campbell has dramatically transformed the Lions, leading them to an NFC North title and a near Super Bowl appearance last season. This remarkable turnaround raises an important question: where does Campbell rank among NFL head coaches?
Mina Kimes Weighs in on Dan Campbell
According to ESPN‘s Mina Kimes, Campbell is certainly among the elite, placing him at No. 7 in her top ten NFL coaches. On her podcast, The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny, she praised Campbell’s unique leadership style:
“I love Dan Campbell,” Kimes said. “I love the way he talks about football, I love his aggression. I loved that he was entirely unapologetic about the infamous ‘didn’t report’ incident. He, to me, is the definition of culture in every sense, not just the soft stuff, but also in how he manages games.”
Kimes also noted the significant decision by Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to stay in Detroit:
“You don’t go back unless you like your boss, and I think it speaks to the fact that everyone genuinely loves working for this man. The fact that he is able to manage big personalities like Ben Johnson and retain them speaks volumes about his skills as a manager.”
Here are Kimes’ top seven coaches:
- Andy Reid
- Kyle Shanahan
- John Harbaugh
- Mike Tomlin
- Sean McVay
- Matt LaFleur
- Dan Campbell
My Perspective on Campbell’s Ranking
While Kimes appreciates Campbell, placing him at No. 7, it could be argued that even this high praise undervalues his impact. In my view, Campbell isn’t just a top ten coach—he’s a top five. His ability to revitalize the Lions and establish a competitive identity could even place him among the top three coaches in the NFL today.
Campbell’s leadership goes beyond game strategy; his honest, passionate approach has not only led to victories but has also endeared him to players and fans alike, reshaping the expectations of a head coach in today’s NFL.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Transformational Leadership: Dan Campbell has turned around the Detroit Lions’ fortunes by instilling a strong, aggressive identity.
- Recognition from Peers: Noted NFL analyst Mina Kimes ranks Campbell as a top ten coach, highlighting his positive impact on team culture and game management.
- Potential Underestimation: Despite recognition, arguments could be made that Campbell’s effectiveness ranks him even higher, possibly within the top five of NFL coaches.
Campbell’s Impact: Redefining Leadership and Cultivating Success
Dan Campbell’s tenure with the Detroit Lions highlights a remarkable shift from underperformance to competitiveness, spearheaded by his unique blend of passion, aggression, and genuine care for his team and staff. His coaching style, which mixes old-school grit with modern, player-focused strategies, has not only revitalized a struggling franchise but has also redefined what leadership looks like in the NFL.
As Campbell continues to build his legacy, it becomes increasingly clear that his influence extends beyond the traditional metrics of wins and losses, embedding a resilient culture that could see the Lions become consistent contenders in the years to come. Whether he’s already top five or still on his way, one thing is certain: Dan Campbell is a pivotal figure in today’s NFL coaching landscape.
