The leaders of two of Detroit’s most successful modern sports revivals recently shared ideas on leadership and team culture.

manager and head coach met in person for the first time while both teams were in Arizona. The Tigers were staying at the same hotel hosting the annual league meetings, creating the perfect opportunity for the two Detroit leaders to connect.

Detroit Leaders Bond Over Coaching Philosophy

Speaking on ahead of the Tigers’ home opener, Hinch revealed that the two spent about 45 minutes talking over coffee.

During their conversation, Campbell and Hinch discussed their shared approach to coaching, developing young players, and transforming struggling teams into contenders.

Both coaches arrived in Detroit in 2021, inheriting teams that were rebuilding. Since then, each has guided their franchise to the postseason twice, playing a key role in the resurgence of Detroit sports.

“What came out of it was we kind of handle players the same way,” Hinch explained. “We have the same thoughts and issues about breaking in young talent and trying to take a team from good to great.”

Shared Mission: Reviving Detroit Sports

Hinch emphasized that their biggest connection was their mutual love for the city of Detroit and the challenge of rebuilding proud franchises.

The Tigers manager even said he hopes to bring Campbell to a game at this summer, though he joked that the Lions coach’s popularity might make that difficult.

Hinch also hopes to observe Campbell behind the scenes with the Lions, while potentially allowing the NFL coach to see how the Tigers prepare for games.

“We love Detroit, and together we really bonded over that fact alone,” Hinch said.

Campbell and Hinch Joke About Switching Sports

The two leaders also had some fun imagining what it would be like to swap coaching roles between football and baseball.

Hinch joked that the biggest difference would be the schedule intensity. NFL teams play just 17 regular-season games, while MLB teams grind through 162 games.

“Ten of my games are one of his games,” Hinch joked. “I’d have to get incredibly more emotional, and he’d probably have to take a deep breath if he had to manage 162.”

Tigers Preparing for Home Opener

The Tigers entered their home opener with a 2-4 record and were set to face the to begin the home schedule.

While the seasons for the Tigers and Lions occur at different times of the year, the meeting between Hinch and Campbell highlights the shared mindset driving Detroit’s sports resurgence.