The Lions have formally signed Saints assistant Dan Campbell to a six-year deal as their new head coach.
“This is an exciting day for our organization as we introduce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions,” team owner Sheila Ford Hamp said Wednesday. “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.”
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“Dan’s passion for this opportunity was evident throughout our interview process,” Lions president Rod Wood said Wednesday. “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 exemplified throughout his football career has prepared him for this next step, and we are excited to support him as our new head coach.”
The 44-year-old Campbell scores his first permanent head coaching gig in the NFL after spending some time as an interim with the Miami Dolphins back in 2015 where he oversaw a 5-7 finish after taking over for Joe Philbin who went 1-2 to start the season. Since his stint in Miami, Campbell has served as a tight-ends coach and assistant under Sean Payton with the Saints.
Campbell also spent the final three seasons of his professional playing career with the Lions having played a total of 11 seasons after being drafted out of Texas A&M in 1999. Notably, Campbell was also a member of the Detroit 2008 team that went 0-16.