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5 potential candidates to replace Dan Campbell as Detroit Lions head coach

By Brad Berreman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Leslie Frazier, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator

Frazier interviewed for head coaching openings with the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Houston Texans last year, and he’s a prime second-chance candidate as he has rebuilt his stock under Sean McDermott as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator. He has interviewed for other openings in recent years, and it may only be a matter of time before he leaves the Bills for a head coaching job.

Frazier was interim head coach and then the full-time head man from 2010-2013 for the Minnesota Vikings, with a total record of 21-32-1 and one playoff appearance. He often seemed ill-equipped to be a head coach, but he is an even-keel hand with roots in the Tony Dungy coaching tree and plenty of experience on the side of the ball the Lions need the most help on.

Frazier is not a head coaching hire who will “win the press conference” by spewing catch-phrases and raising the volume in the room. But he is well-respected and experienced, two things the Lions may seek in a new head coach if they move to replace Dan Campbell.

Frazier will easily remind Lions fans of former head coach Jim Caldwell, who also worked under Dungy. Caldwell got a raw deal in Detroit when then-general manager Bob Quinn just had to hire “his guy”, Patricia.

Lions fans will surely want someone with more pizzazz than Frazier. But he is well-respected and experienced, the latter of which the Lions may prioritize in a new head coach if they move to replace Dan Campbell.

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