The Detroit Lions have achieved remarkable success under the leadership of coach Dan Campbell since his hiring in 2021. Lions fans are extremely grateful for how he has turned around their struggling franchise by leading Detroit to back-to-back NFC North division titles and two playoff wins, an achievement the Lions hadn’t achieved in 32 years before Campbell’s arrival.
Most importantly, his Lions teams have embodied the city of Detroit through their grit and toughness. Even after a disappointing 9-8 season and a last-place finish in the NFC North, fans remain confident about the direction under coach Campbell.
How the Lions almost didn't hire Dan Campbell
However, the hiring of Campbell as the Lions coach almost didn’t happen as Detroit had originally decided to go in a different direction. According to a recent story by ESPN’s Jake Trotter, the Lions were prepared to hire former Iowa State and current Penn State coach Matt Campbell as their new coach in 2021.Â
Campbell had initially agreed to become the new coach of the Lions before deciding to pull out and return to Iowa State. At the time and remains today, Campbell was one of the most respected coaches in college football, as before 2021, he had won a Big 12 championship and a Fiesta Bowl win.
READ MORE: Lions writer thinks former Lions' comeback bid is officially revitalized
Campbell also had success with the Toledo Rockets, winning two MAC championships in his four full seasons. Campbell arrives at his new gig with Penn State with a 72-55 overall coaching record.Â
Why Matt Campbell Likely Wouldn’t Have Worked With Lions
While no one can take away Matt Campbell’s reputation as a quality football coach, he likely would’ve failed with the Lions. Successful college coaches who have earned NFL coaching gigs have a long reputation for not working out.Â
Notable college coaches who failed in the NFL include Matt Rhule, Bobby Petrino, Urban Meyer, and Steve Spurrier. Even the legendary Nick Saban had a losing record with the Miami Dolphins.Â
With that being said, Lions fans should feel fortunate that Matt Campbell opted out of joining the Lions and Dan Campbell landed in Detroit’s lap. Without Dan Campbell, the Lions are likely still where they were before 2021 under former coach Matt Patricia.
Add us as a preferred source on Google