After leading the Detroit Lions to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 32 years, Texas A&M alumnus Dan Campbell has earned a contract extension.
Campbell had an extra year added to his original deal on Thursday, keeping him in the Motor City through the 2027 season. The Lions also gave extensions to general manager Brad Holmes and Chris Spielman, the special assistant to the president/CEO & chairperson.
“We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons,” stated principal owner and chair Sheila Hamp. “They have been the driving force behind the rebuild of our football team and the success that we have enjoyed. The continuity they provide for our football program will continue to be the key to our future success on the field.”
Campbell has gone from biting kneecaps to becoming one of the best leaders in the NFL within three seasons
Lions agree to contract extension with Head Coach Dan Campbell. pic.twitter.com/6kCtTtKxHq
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2024
Just over three years ago on Jan. 20, 2021, Campbell was hired to lead the league’s perennial loser in Detroit. The Lions regressed in his first season, going from 5-11 in 2020 to 3-13-1.
Detroit began the 2022 season 1-6 and Campbell found himself on the hot seat. Then the Lions proceeded to win 8 of their last 10 games, including in the season finale at Green Bay to keep their bitter rivals out of the postseason, finishing 9-8 overall.
“I could not be more proud of the work that Brad, Dan and Chris have done for our organization,” stated president and CEO Rod Wood. “They have selflessly worked together to build a winning culture within the Lions. I am excited to continue working with them to create the sustained success that we envision for the team, our fans and the city of Detroit.”
Campbell rode that wave of momentum into this season, leading the Lions to a 12-5 record and the franchise’s first NFC North division title. Detroit hadn’t won their division in 30 years, dating back to an NFC Central championship in 1993.
With a 24-23 victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round on Jan. 14, the Lions won their first playoff game in 32 years. Detroit followed that up with a 31-23 win versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to earn its first NFC Championship game berth since the 1991 season.
Campbell and the Lions led 24-7 versus the San Francisco 49ers but ultimately lost the penultimate title contest 34-31. However, if anyone can lead Detroit to its first NFL title since 1957, it’s certainly the man with an appetite for kneecaps and he’ll be around for at least four more seasons.