Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions had one of the more improbable seasons in the NFL this year. And yet, Campbell wasn't nominated for Coach of the Year.
The Lions went just 3-13-1 last season, finishing last in the NFC North. However, Dan Campbell was able to spark a revitalization in Detroit this season, as the Lions went 9-8. Detroit was just one win away from a playoff berth and held their first winning record since 2017.
Still, Campbell did not receive a COY nomination. Instead, the nominees are the Giants' Brian Daboll, the Bills' Sean McDermott, the Jaguars' Doug Pederson, the 49ers' Kyle Shanahan and the Eagles' Nick Sirianni.
Fans and analysts around the NFL were displeased to see Campbell's name left off the Coach of the Year list. They took to Twitter to express just how impressive they thought Campbell and the Lions were this season.
“The fact Dan Campbell isn't considered for Coach of the Year is a shame,” tweeted Trevor Uren (@TrevStoneCEO).
“The Lions improved by 6 wins this season. The culture has been completely changed. Don't tell me Dan Campbell shouldn't be a finalist for Coach of the Year,” Ron Terrell added (@RonTerrell).
Detroit beat both the Giants (31-18) and Jaguars (40-14). Mike Payton (@POD_Payton) put in bluntly, stating, “I'd also like to point out that Dan Campbell out-coached two of the (five) nominees for coach of the year.”
The Lions have all the momentum heading into next season. Campbell has completely turned the franchise around. He might not be Coach of the Year this season, but if Detroit continues playing strong football, Campbell will be earning some new hardware soon enough.