New Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell accepts six-year contract, source says



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New Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell has been given a six-year contract from the team, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Lions announced the hiring of Campbell on Wednesday but did not disclose the terms. The team will present it with a press conference on Thursday.

“With over 20 years of experience as a National Football League coach and player, Dan knows the rigors of professional football and what it takes to be successful. He will help promote the culture we want to bring to life in our organization, while also bringing with it great energy, a respect for the game and an identity that anyone can align with, ”said Sheila Ford Hamp, Principal Owner of Lions, in a statement.

Campbell, the New Orleans Saints assistant head / tight ends 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 NFC North for the past three seasons.

Campbell is expected to bring Saints assistant coach Aaron Glenn with him as defensive coordinator. Glenn has a few other contenders, but Detroit is the favorite, the source told Fowler.

Campbell, 44, who has never been a coordinator in the NFL, is seen as a motivator and someone who can bring a team together, rather than an X’s-and-O’s guru. The Lions were looking for people they saw as Unifiers because they identified the qualities they felt were important in building a winner from a franchise that achieved a Super Bowl-era playoff victory and a won his last division title in 1993.

Campbell doesn’t have much experience as a head coach – only 12 games as interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins – but the Lions clearly saw enough to pair him with the general manager. recently hired Brad Holmes. Without experience in the appeal of plays on either side of the ball, what Campbell brings as a coordinator will be paramount to his success.

During Holmes’ introductory press conference on Tuesday, the Lions said Holmes, Campbell and vice president of football administration Mike Disner would report to team president Rod Wood, creating a balanced structure. When asked if Holmes or Campbell would have the final say on the 53-man roster, Wood replied that 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 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. The leadership Dan has shown throughout his football career has prepared him for this. the next step, and we are delighted to support him as the new head coach. “

The Lions had conducted their research on Holmes and Campbell simultaneously, often asking candidates if they had anyone in mind for the other position they would like to work with. After Holmes was hired last week, Ford Hamp said Holmes spoke to some of his remaining candidates.

Campbell played 10 seasons in the NFL, including the last three years of his career for the Lions.

Michael Rothstein of ESPN contributed to this report.

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