The Detroit Lions have officially entered the NFL offseason after missing the playoffs for the first time in three years. Despite the setback, confidence remains high in head coach Dan Campbell, general manager Brad Holmes, and the Lions’ front office as they continue pushing toward long-term championship success and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
Now entering his fifth season as Lions head coach, Campbell recently received major recognition from ESPN. NFL insider Bill Barnwell named him the NFL’s best coaching hire since 2021, citing his impact on Detroit’s rebuild and team culture.
ESPN Praises Dan Campbell for Lions Rebuild
Barnwell credited Campbell for leading a complete franchise transformation through smart drafting, key free-agent signings, bold trades, and a major cultural shift inside the organization.
“It’s worth noting just how low the Lions were before Campbell arrived,” Barnwell wrote. “Detroit went 14-33-1 under Matt Patricia and interim coach Darrell Bevell and had not won a playoff game since 1991.”
One of the first major decisions made by Holmes and Campbell was trading Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two first-round picks and quarterback Jared Goff — a move that reshaped the franchise’s future.
Barnwell noted that only Taylor Decker remains from the roster Campbell inherited in 2021, highlighting how extensive Detroit’s rebuild has been.
“This has been a complete rebuild in Detroit,” Barnwell stated.
Lions Become Model NFL Franchise Under Campbell
According to Barnwell, the Lions’ turnaround did not happen overnight. Early struggles were part of the process, but Campbell eventually molded Detroit into one of the NFL’s most respected organizations.
“It took a year and a half of frustrating losses, but Campbell turned the Lions into one of the league’s model organizations,” Barnwell wrote.
Despite a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries, the loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and multiple close defeats, Barnwell believes Detroit still boasts one of the strongest rosters in the NFL.
Campbell’s aggressive fourth-down decisions were also praised for shaping the Lions’ fearless identity.
“They came within a drop or two of making the Super Bowl in 2023,” Barnwell added. “They overachieved in 2024 by winning 15 games despite being down to third-string defenders.”
Dan Campbell Projected as Long-Term Lions Coach
Barnwell concluded that Campbell is the coach most likely to remain with his current team over the next decade and beyond.
“If you had to predict a single hire from the past five years to still be in his current job 15 years from now, my choice would be Campbell,” Barnwell wrote. “He has become the face of the franchise in Detroit.”
Dan Campbell’s Impact on Detroit Lions History
Although Campbell’s tenure began with growing pains, his influence on the franchise is already clear. Under his leadership, the Lions have:
Ended a 30-year NFC North division title drought
Returned to the NFL playoffs
Become consistent NFC contenders
Established a stronger team culture and player development system
Campbell is now the third-winningest coach in Detroit Lions history and remains central to the team’s long-term vision.
