The Detroit Lions have their eyes on New Orleans Saints tight ends coach Dan Campbell for their head coaching vacancy.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Campbell, who played for the Lions in the 2000s, has become a leading candidate for Detroit's top job.
An under-the-radar candidate, Dan Campbell has impressed with his leadership in New Orleans. Now, assuming all goes well with the process, he’ll have a chance to do the same with the #Lions. https://t.co/UMEpZHCC29
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2021
Rapoport noted Campbell had been an interim head coach with the Miami Dolphins during the 2015 season, going 5-7 after replacing Joe Philbin in Week 4.
When he was with the #Dolphins, Dan Campbell served as an interim coach. Now, on the verge of the real thing with Detroit. https://t.co/UMEpZHCC29
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2021
The Lions appear to have a concerted interest in adding Campbell.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported Detroit was scheduled to meet with Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, but that meeting was canceled given the Lions were unlikely to hire him. One can't help but wonder if this means their focus has been narrowed strictly to Campbell.
#Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles was slated to interview with the #Lions today for their head coaching job but the sides talked today and decided to cancel, sources say. Indications were he wasn't going to be their next head coach anyway so they punted on it.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 15, 2021
As previously mentioned, Campbell spent three years with the Lions at the end of his playing career, even starting in 11 of 16 games in 2006. He appears to be closing in on a return to the Motor City.
There had been some speculation the Lions would look to hire San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan. But the New York Jets jumped at the opportunity to hire Saleh, and the Lions are moving quickly to nab the next guy on their radar.
It is not a surprise to hear Detroit is after a strong leadership type in Campbell. Former head coach Matt Patricia had numerous issues with his own players and established a bit of a toxic culture.
Should he get the job, Campbell will have to set a new tone in an effort to bring about more of a winning culture.
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