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Lions Hire Dan Campbell As Their Next Head Coach
Shortly after the Lions agreed to terms with their new general manager, Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell has landed Detroit's head coaching job.
According to multiple reports, Campbell is set to sign a six-year deal with the organization.
Campbell spent the last five seasons as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the Saints.
He has head-coaching experience in a temporary role.
The unheralded assistant became Miami's interim head coach in 2015, leading the Dolphins to a 5-7 mark in 12 games following the early season firing of Joe Philbin. With his NFL-sized frame (Campbell played in the league from 1999-2009), Campbell momentarily captured the attention of NFL fans with his sideline stature and Miami's unexpected boost in performance under his leadership, especially after the Dolphins had flopped to a 1-4 start to the 2015 campaign under Philbin.
More generally, Campbell has 11 seasons of NFL coaching experience, spending six in Miami and the last five in New Orleans. Known as a blocker during his playing days, Campbell's tight ends have excelled in this category, ranking fourth in run-blocking grade since 2016.
Campbell's on-field career brought him to Detroit during the franchise's worst years, including its infamous 0-16 campaign in 2008. Campbell was spared having to participate in most of that season due to a season-ending hamstring injury suffered in early September, but he at least has a familiarity with the Lions franchise, fanbase and its unsatisfied desires for success.
Campbell is bringing Aaron Glenn with him to Detroit.
Campbell, the new Lions head coach, will hire Aaron Glenn as defensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Glenn and Campbell have worked together on the Saints’ staff for the last five years.
The 48-year-old Glenn was a first-round draft pick of the Jets in 1994 and had a 15-year NFL playing career. This will be his first coordinator job after seven seasons as an assistant coach.
The Lions agreed to terms with Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes to become their next general manager, the team last announced Thursday.