The Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal with New Orleans Saints assistant coach Dan Campbell to become the team’s next head coach, the team confirmed Wednesday.
Campbell replaces Matt Patricia, who was fired before the season ended, along with general manager Bob Quinn. Campbell is expected to bring fellow Saints assistant Aaron Glenn to Detroit as defensive coordinator.
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Dan Campbell and the #Lions have agreed in principle to a six-year contract, per source. The #Saints assistant head coach is expected to take Aaron Glenn with him as defensive coordinator.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 20, 2021
“This is an exciting day for our organization as we introduce Dan Campbell as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions. 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.”
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.
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