Detroit Lions news: Dan Campbell officially hired as head coach

The Detroit Lions made things official with Dan Campbell on Wednesday, making him the organization’s 28th head coach in team history. The two sides had a meeting that seemed like a formality, and it was, as the Lions made the announcement earlier this morning.

Just three short days after the New Orleans Saints were eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former assistant Dan Campbell inked the dotted line in the Motor City.

The deal is reportedly for six-years, making it apparent that Sheila Ford-Hamp and Rod Wood believe in what Campbell brings to the table.

"“This is an exciting day for our organization as we introduce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions. 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.” – team owner, Sheila Ford-Hamp."

Campbell is a former 11-year pro in the NFL that included time with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and even three seasons in Detroit.

The Detroit Lions’ official hiring of Dan Campbell ends the coaching search but sparks more rumors.

He replaces interim head coach Darrell Bevell who took over following the firing of Matt Patricia. Patricia went 13-29-1 over two-plus years with the Lions following a stint as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator. He was brought in by former general manager and fellow former Patriot, Dan Quinn. Quinn was let go along with Patricia on November 28.

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Quinn’s time as general manager is remembered for several questionable NFL draft choices, including linebacker Jarrad Davis and cornerback Teez Tabor.

Patricia is rumored to have led the Lions locker room to a severe degree of civil unrest, as cited by several former players, including former second-round pick Darius Slay.

As for Campbell, it appears that he is highly regarded and respected by former players.

It seems as though his motivational tactics are far more favorable amongst the teams he’s been in charge of and more productive in terms of results on the field.

“The big thing about him is Dan’s a tough guy now. Dan doesn’t take any bullshit and Dan is a guy that when he practices, he practiced how he played. Whenever you watched him do his trade or do his work, whenever he did speak out to his teammates, you had to respect the example he was setting before he talked to you.” – long-time NFL assistant Gregg Williams

Before joining the Lions, Campbell was the interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2015 and most recently learned under Sean Payton in New Orleans for the past five seasons. He’s never been a head coach at any level, however.

Rumors began to surface yesterday afternoon that Campbell had begun filling out his coaching tree by bringing in fellow former Saint and former NFL player Aaron Glenn.

Glenn was a three-time Pro-Bowl cornerback that spent time with the New York Jets, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys, where he was a teammate to Campbell in 2006.

That hiring has yet to be confirmed by anyone close to the situation as of this writing.

Campbell credits his coaching style to Payton and former coach Bill Parcells.

Along with new general manager Brad Holmes, Campbell is now tasked with turning around a  franchise that has been submerged in mediocracy for decades. As a former player, one would like to think that he’ll have an advantage in terms of scouting and bringing in new talent.

The Lions need help on both sides of the ball, and a decision also needs to be made on what to do with long-time quarterback Matthew Stafford. It seems as though Stafford wants to remain in Detroit, and one would like to believe that he will be back with the Lions next season.

However, only time will tell.

Do you think Stafford will be in a Detroit Lions uniform in 2021? How will Campbell fair in his first head coaching gig? Leave us your thoughts on the hiring in the comment section below.