Today the Detroit Lions announced they have agreed to terms with Dan Campbell to become the team’s new head coach. Campbell brings 22 years of NFL experience to the Lions, including 11 years as a coach and 11 as a player. Campbell will report directly to Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp and President & CEO Rod Wood.
“This is an exciting day for our organization as we introduce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions,” said Lions Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp. “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.”
Campbell, who played for the Lions from 2006-2008, spent the last five years as an assistant head coach/tight ends coach for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints captured four NFC South division titles, ranked first in the NFL in points scored (2,361), touchdowns (277), net yardage (31,147), and posted the third-most wins (56) in the League during his tenure.
Before his stint with the Saints, Campbell served as the Miami Dolphins’ tight end coach for five seasons (2011-15). In 2015, Campbell became the Miami Dolphins’ interim head coach, where he took over a 1-3 team and guided them to a 5-7 finish. Under Campbell, Miami improved eight spots in the NFL’s rushing yards per game rankings and saw five Dolphins selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.
“Dan’s passion for this opportunity was evident throughout our interview process. When we began the search for a head coach, it was imperative that we find the right leader who values our commitment to building a winning culture based on organizational alignment and collaboration,” added Lions President & CEO Rod Wood. “The leadership Dan has exemplified throughout his football career has prepared him for this next step, and we are excited to support him as our new head coach.”
Campbell becomes the fifth former Lions player to be named full-time head coach for the team and the first since Joe Schmidt, who played for Detroit from 1953-65 and served as head coach from 1967-72.
