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Report: Detroit Lions eye Saints assistant Dan Campbell for head coach job

Lions hired new GM on Thursday

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 08: Interim head coach Dan Campbell of the Miami Dolphins looks at the video board from the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeated Miami 33-17. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) (Rich Barnes, 2015 Rich Barnes)

The Detroit Lions are reportedly targeting New Orleans Saints assistant coach Dan Campbell as the team’s next head coach.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Campbell has emerged as the favorite to land the gig:

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Rapoport added: “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.”

Campbell has head coaching experience -- as an interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2015. He went 5-7 during that stint. Since then, he’s been a top assistant on Sean Payton’s staff in New Orleans.

Campbell, 44, actually played tight end for the Lions from 2006 to 2008, appearing in 19 games. He was part of the infamous 0-16 season. He was also part of the Saints Super Bowl winning team in 2009-2010, but was injured before the season started that year and never played a game. He retired as a player after that season.

The Lions hired a general manager on Thursday, bringing in Brad Holmes, the college director of scouting for the L.A. Rams. If Campbell is the guy, the Lions won’t be able to hire him until the Saints season is over.

Related: The Lions not landing hometown favorite Robert Saleh is classic Lions

Detroit Lion's Dan Campbell (89) and quarterback Jon Kitna (8) celebrate after a first quarter touchdown. Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions Ford Field (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) (Leon Halip WireImage 2006)

About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad is the digital content manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter.

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