Detroit Lions new coach Dan Campbell has received a six-year contract from the team, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Lions announced Campbell’s hiring on Wednesday, but did not disclose the terms. The team will present it on Thursday with a press conference.
“With more than 20 years of experience both as a coach and as a 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 within our organization, while also bringing with him high energy, respect for the game and an identity that everyone can align with, “he said. a statement, Lions main owner Sheila Ford Hamp.
Campbell, the assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints / head coach, replaces Matt Patricia, who was fired in November after less than three seasons with the Lions and a 13-29-1 record. The Lions will now try to reset after finishing last in the NFC North in the last three seasons.
Campbell is expected to bring in Saints assistant coach Aaron Glenn as defensive coordinator. Glenn has a few other suitors, but Detroit is the favorite, the source told Fowler.
Campbell, 44, who has never been an NFL coordinator, is seen as a motivator and someone who can bring a team together, rather than an X’s-and-O guru. The Lions looked for people they considered unifying because they identified qualities they considered important to building a winner in a franchise that won a Super Bowl playoff and claimed its last division title in 1993.
Campbell doesn’t have much experience as head coach – just 12 games as interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins – but the Lions have seen clearly enough to pair him with newly hired general manager Brad Holmes. No experience in games on both sides of the ball, which Campbell brings as coordinators will be key to his success.
During Holmes’ introductory press conference on Tuesday, the Lions said all three of Holmes, Campbell and vice president of football Mike Disner will report to team president Rod Wood, creating a balanced structure. When asked if Holmes or Campbell would have the final say in the list of 53 people, Wood said it would be a collaborative process.
“Dan’s passion for this opportunity was evident throughout our interview process,” Wood said in a statement. “When we started looking for a head coach, it was imperative to find the right leader who appreciates our commitment to building a winning culture based on organizational alignment and collaboration. the next step and we are excited to support him as our new head coach. “
The Lions had been searching for Holmes and Campbell at the same time, often asking candidates if they had people in mind for the other position they would like to work with. After Holmes was hired last week, Ford Hamp said Holmes spoke with some of their remaining candidates.
Campbell played 10 seasons in the NFL, including the last three years of his career for the Lions.
ESPN’s Michael Rothstein contributed to the report.