The Detroit Lions introduced Dan Campbell as their new head coach on Thursday. And reactions following his introductory press conference seem to illustrate exactly why the Lions’ brass inked him to a reported six-year deal this week.
The 44-year old Campbell took to podium on Thursday morning and proceeded to lay out his plan for Detroit. And what followed, as Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com described it, was the best introductory press conference he’s ever heard.
Chris Burke of The Athletic echoed those sentiments tweeting after the presser that he assumed Campbell was going out to the parking lot afterward to pull a truck with his teeth. ESPN’s Michael Rothstein thought it was one of the best introductory press conferences in history.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press said the Lions’ newest hire absolutely crushed it and wished his fellow beat writers could all go through an introductory news conference like Campbell’s following a coaching search. This sort of universal praise after an opening presser is unprecedented.
Campbell’s introductory press conference covered a mixed bag of topics. From biting off kneecaps, to not being a system guy, to never judging a book by its cover, to addressing a controversial anti-gay comment he made in college.
“We’re gonna kick you in the teeth, and when you punch us back, we’re going to smile at you. And when you knock us down, we’re gonna get up. And on the way up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off.”
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 21, 2021
New @Lions HC Dan Campbell had quite the introductory press conference 😳 pic.twitter.com/cWJTSFtJAQ
The former New Orleans Saints’ assistant navigated it all with raw passion and excitement while also effortless infusing in some of his own homespun tales and humor. But what stood out most was his authenticity. It was refreshingly honest.
It was also reminiscent of one of Campbell’s previous coaches in the NFL. That being the Hall of Famer, Bill Parcells. The two-time Super Bowl champion head coach held legendary pressers, where his brutal honesty, stories, and quick wit captivated reporters as well as anyone watching.
Bill Parcells coached Dan Campbell for three years with the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-2005. Some of that Parcells’ magic appears to have rubbed off on Campbell. Detroit Lions’ fans have to hope that also includes the ability to motivate his players and to bring home Lombardi Trophies.