The Detroit Lions Were Rejected by a Top College Coach Before Hiring Dan Campbell
Before the Detroit Lions hired Dan Campbell to lead the franchise into a new era, another well-known coach reportedly came very close to accepting the job.
According to a recent feature by ESPN, current Penn State Nittany Lions football head coach Matt Campbell initially agreed to become Detroit’s head coach in 2021 while he was leading the Iowa State Cyclones football. However, Campbell later changed his mind, prompting Detroit to move in a different direction.
Detroit Lions Turn to Dan Campbell
After Campbell stepped away from the opportunity, the Detroit Lions pivoted and ultimately hired Dan Campbell as their head coach.
The decision proved to be a turning point for the franchise. Under Campbell’s leadership, Detroit quickly built a strong culture centered on toughness, accountability, and belief. The Lions transformed from a rebuilding team into a legitimate contender, eventually winning back-to-back NFC North titles and becoming one of the most respected teams in the National Football League.
Matt Campbell Stayed in College Football
At the time of Detroit’s coaching search, Matt Campbell was one of the most sought-after coaches in football after successfully rebuilding the Iowa State Cyclones football program. He also drew interest from major college programs such as the Texas Longhorns football and USC Trojans football.
Instead of leaving for the NFL, Campbell chose to remain at Iowa State for several more seasons. He later accepted the head coaching position at Penn State Nittany Lions football following the 2025 season.
Campbell later admitted that leaving Iowa State at the time “wasn’t something that I was looking to do or wanting to do.”
A Major “What If” in Lions History
The revelation highlights an intriguing “what if” moment for the Detroit Lions. If Campbell had taken the job, the direction of both the Lions and Penn State football could have been very different.
Instead, Detroit found its long-term leader in Dan Campbell — the coach widely credited with restoring a winning culture and bringing competitive football back to the city.
