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Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell Finalist for Coach of the Year - In Play! magazine
Dan Campbell's nomination for Coach of the Year is a testament to his exceptional leadership and the remarkable transformation he has brought about in the Detroit Lions. His journey is a shining example of perseverance, grit, and determination. Regardless of the outcome, Campbell's legacy in Detroit is already written in gold. Photo: Alan Ashley - In Play! magazine
25
Jan

Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell Finalist for Coach of the Year

Dan Campbell, the lion-hearted head coach of the Detroit Lions, has recently been shortlisted for the prestigious title of Coach of the Year. This is a testament to the incredible journey he has undertaken, transforming the Detroit Lions into a formidable force in the NFL.

When Campbell took the reins of the Detroit Lions, the team had been going through a rough patch, bottoming out the league rankings. But with his relentless grit and unique leadership style, Campbell revived the Lions, leading them to a remarkable turnaround.

Campbell’s influence on the team has been nothing short of phenomenal. Ever since his tenure began, the Lions have been on a roll, winning 22 out of their last 29 games – a franchise record. This includes their first playoff win in over three decades, a thrilling victory against the Los Angeles Rams.

Campbell’s blue-collar attitude resonates deeply with the city, and his aggressive brand of football has won him immense respect within the locker room. His leadership skills have been widely lauded, with quarterback Jared Goff stating that Campbell is the best leader he’s ever been around.

Campbell’s knack for identifying and nurturing talent is evident in the team of coaches he has assembled. His standout decision was promoting Ben Johnson from tight ends coach to passing game coordinator, which catalyzed a significant improvement in the team’s performance. This decision was made in the first half of 2021 when the season was not going well.

Under Campbell’s guidance, Ben Johnson’s career has skyrocketed. His promotion to the role of offensive coordinator led to the Lions soaring to No. 3 this season. Johnson’s success has not only earned him a nomination for the Assistant of the Year award but also made him a sought-after name for head-coaching roles across the league.

Johnson’s impact on quarterback Jared Goff has been transformative. Goff’s performance under Johnson’s tutelage has been outstanding, leading to him being ranked second in passing yards in the playoffs.

The Lions’ meteoric rise wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of their rookies. Tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs have been exceptional, breaking franchise records and earning nominations for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

LaPorta has made a significant mark in his first year with the Lions. His record 86 catches and 10 touchdowns have earned him the honor of being the first Lions rookie tight end to be named to the second-team All-Pro, besides a Pro Bowl selection.

Gibbs has emerged as one of the most dynamic backs in the league. He has racked up an impressive 1,261 yards from scrimmage, ranking among the top five rookie seasons in franchise history. His performance has been pivotal in the Lions’ recent successes, including their divisional-round victory against Tampa.

The Associated Press has announced the finalists for various NFL awards. Alongside Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year and Johnson, Gibbs and LaPorta are also named finalists for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The full list of finalists is as follows:

Coach of the Year

  • Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
  • John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
  • DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
  • Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
  • Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

Assistant Coach of the Year

  • Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
  • Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
  • Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
  • Jim Schwartz, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator
  • Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator

Offensive Rookie of the Year

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions running back
  • Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions tight end
  • Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
  • Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons running back
  • C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback

Defensive Rookie of the Year

  • Will Anderson, Houston Texans defensive end
  • Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle
  • Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback
  • Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackler
  • Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks cornerback

Most Valuable Player

  • Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback
  • Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback
  • Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back
  • Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
  • Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers quarterback

Campbell’s journey with the Lions has been nothing short of extraordinary. From inheriting a team struggling to make an impact to leading them to their first divisional title since 1993, Campbell’s impact has been transformative.

The 2023 season saw the Lions shattering several franchise records under Campbell’s leadership. They registered 14 wins, the highest in the franchise’s history, and won more playoff games this year than they have since their last championship in 1957.

Campbell’s leadership style has garnered immense respect from his players. Frank Ragnow and Jared Goff, key players in the Lions’ squad, have lauded Campbell as the best leader they’ve ever had. His unwavering commitment and passion are the driving forces behind the Lions’ recent successes.

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IPM Editor