Detroit Lions’ new coach, Dan Campbell, received a six-year contract with 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 him at a news conference on Thursday.
“With over 20 years of experience as a coach and player in the National Football League, Dan knows the rigors of professional football and what it takes to succeed. He will help promote the culture we want to establish in our organization, while also bringing I get a lot of energy, respect for the game and an identity that everyone can team up with, “said Lions principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp in a statement.
Campbell, the assistant coach of the New Orleans Saints, replaces Matt Patricia, who was fired in November after less than three seasons with Lions and a 13-29-1 record. Lions will now try to restart after finishing last at NFC North for the past three seasons.
Campbell is expected to bring in fellow Saints assistant Aaron Glenn as a 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 put together a team, rather than an X’s and O’s guru. Lions were looking for people they considered unifying when identifying qualities they considered important to build a franchise winner who won a playoff in the Super Bowl era and won the title of the last division in 1993.
Campbell does not have much experience as a coach – only 12 games as an interim coach for the Miami Dolphins – but the Lions saw clearly enough to put him in partnership with newly hired general manager Brad Holmes. With no experience in summoning plays on either side of the ball, whom Campbell brings in as coordinators will be critical to his success.
During Holmes’ introductory press conference on Tuesday, Lions said that all three, Holmes, Campbell and vice president of football administration Mike Disner, will report to team president Rod Wood, creating a balanced structure. When asked whether Holmes or Campbell would have the final say on the 53-man list, Wood said it would be a collaborative process.
“Dan’s passion for this opportunity has been evident throughout our interview process,” Wood said in a statement. “When we started the search for a head coach, it was essential that we find the right leader who values our commitment to building a winning culture based on organizational alignment and collaboration. The leadership that Dan exemplified throughout his football career prepared him for that next step, and we look forward to supporting you as our new head coach. “
Lions conducted their searches for Holmes and Campbell simultaneously, 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 that Holmes talked to some of his remaining candidates.
Campbell has played 10 seasons in the NFL, including the last three years of his career with Lions.
Michael Rothstein of ESPN contributed to this report.