Detroit Lions: Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell could be conducive to a rebuild

Would Holmes and Campbell mean a rebuild?

Since all we know as far as the head coaching search goes, is that Dan Campbell has been reported to be the favorite to get the job, anything can still happen.

However, if Dan Campbell does become the Detroit Lions’ next head coach, what could we assume would be the course of action this franchise will take?

Again, nothing is definite, but if the Lions are finally ready to rebuild, this is the match that could make it work. At least on paper.

Consider the background of the Lions’ new general manager Brad Holmes. His ability to evaluate talent and be one of the most trusted voices in the Rams draft room is one of the reasons why they are not only competitive but their roster has the third-youngest average age in the NFL.

It is expected that not only can Holmes find play-makers, but also all the pieces that fill out a deep and talented roster. It is a process that takes a few years, especially given the Lions’ current talent level, but Holmes should be able to turn around this roster.

None of that is really news. Yet, if we combine that with Dan Campbell’s background in the NFL, then it could be a good combination to rebuild a team.

Campbell’s informative years in the NFL were with Bill Parcell’s. An offense that ran the ball, controlled the clock, and when they did pass it was decisive chunk plays down the field. On defense, all you need to do is look at those wrecking ball defenses that Parcell’s had with the Giants that stormed opposing backfields and relentlessly attacked opposing offenses.

He has also spent the last five years at the right hand of Sean Payton learning all the intricacies of a multi-faceted offense that can beat you on the ground and in the air. This is Dan Campbell’s background. If he hires an innovative offensive coordinator whose scheme would not only encourage a productive ground game but will strafe opposing secondaries with big plays too, then that would be a good start.

Needless to say that it would be equally important to hire a defensive coordinator that can organize the mess that is the Lions defense. One that especially understands how important it is to put stress on opposing passers.

So if Campbell was able to surround himself with such coordinators, what would it mean? The Lions could still keep Matthew Stafford to mentor a young quarterback or if this new regime is interested in building a contender, it opens the door to a complete rebuild which this team needs.

Brad Holmes will have his work cut out for him to turn around this roster. Whoever the Lions’ next head coach is, whether it’s Dan Campbell or someone else, will also have plenty to keep him busy. Holmes and Campbell wouldn’t be the worst combination that Sheila could have hired, but with two vibrant personalities, it has every bit as much of a chance to herald in a bold new competitive era as it does to fall flat on its face.