Dan Campbell was on the American team sideline for the Senior Bowl, but the Detroit Lions head coach was merely observing. As part of a coaching development implementation, Campbell’s assistants in Detroit ran the show in Mobile all week and during the game.
Campbell was omnipresent at practices and in team interviews with the players, of course. And one particular player garnered a massive amount of attention during the week in Mobile: Liberty quarterback Malik Willis. The athletic Willis showed significant potential in the week, albeit unrefined potential.
In a sideline interview with the NFL Network during Saturday’s game, Campbell was asked, “how badly do you want to draft Malik Willis?”
Showing some professional discretion, Campbell didn’t bite.
“I’m not going to answer that,” Campbell said with a smile. The coach then added, “I like a lot of guys here but he’s a good player.”
It’s a smart answer from Campbell in not taking the bait. Anyone hoping Campbell would fall into the trap came away disappointed. It’s another sign of growing into a better coach by Campbell.