When Anthony Lynn was hired before the 2021 season he said the main reason he came to Detroit was because of Dan Campbell. He talked of his respect for the Lions’ head coach and wanting to be part of what he was planning to build with Campbell’s new vision for the Lions.
One of the early surprising storylines, once the season started, was when Dan Campbell decided to remove Lynn from most of his responsibilities and take over play-calling himself.
Local and national media tried to make this into a distraction for both of the coaches, but in a recent appearance on Woodward Sports, it sounds as if Lynn’s respect for Campbell hasn’t changed at all.
When asked what kept the team together during their struggles, he praised Campbell first and foremost.
“Great leadership I can tell you that,” Lynn told the hosts. “Dan Campbell did a hell of a job of creating a culture. I know the record didn’t show it, but the foundation is being laid for future success right here in Detroit.”
Lynn was the consummate professional throughout and kept working hard in any role he was given. Campbell also showed great leadership doing what he felt was the best for the team and later in the season got some of the results he was looking for both offensively and for the team as a whole.
He also talked about Taylor Decker returning from injury and the acquisition of wide receiver Josh Reynolds later in the year as reasons why they played better later in the season.
When asked about other reasons he was lured to Detroit to work for the Lions initially he praised the new management team,
“Brad Holmes and Ray Agnew, they were always trying to win it every year with the Los Angeles Rams.”
Sheila Ford Hamp continues to try to shape the organization as she sees fit and it appears Lynn was impressed by the resources she is giving the leaders to succeed. The coaching staff overall and the facilities continue to improve with hopes that will soon yield results on the football field for the team, the loyal Lions fans, and all involved with the franchise.
“They are laying the foundation for future success here and I fully expect that,” said Lynn.
That foundation would seem to start with the strong offensive line and draft resources they dedicated to the defensive line in hopes to build dominant units on both sides of the ball. They also have some exciting skill players and young defensive pieces they continue to cultivate day by day as hopeful homegrown stars of the future.
When asked what he was going to miss most this was his reply,
“I’m going to miss this town and this city. I think this is a great city.”
Lynn was back in Detroit to pack his things at his residence downtown before heading out to San Francisco where he will be working with that staff next season as Assistant Head Coach.
He handled his short time in Detroit with dedication, humility, and grace. Dan Campbell had nothing but positive things to say about Anthony Lynn throughout the process yet he felt changes were needed for his football team. Both men will be better for this in the end and it appears their relationship will continue to be filled with respect on both sides.
Please visit Woodward Sports on YouTube if you want to see the interview in its entirety.