Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has earned recognition as one of the rising stars among NFL head coaches, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise under his leadership. Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness recently ranked Campbell seventh among returning head coaches, placing him in a competitive field that includes established names like Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan, John Harbaugh, Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, and Matt LaFleur.
McGuinness highlighted Campbell’s transformative impact on the Lions, noting his journey from being initially dismissed for colorful remarks about “biting kneecaps” to now steering the team towards contention. Campbell, alongside offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, has played a pivotal role in revitalizing quarterback Jared Goff’s career. Goff achieved his highest career PFF grade of 85.7 last season, a testament to the coaching staff’s influence.
While Campbell has yet to secure a Super Bowl appearance, McGuinness acknowledges his potential to lead the Lions to that stage in the near future. This ranking places Campbell ahead of accomplished coaches like DeMeco Ryans, Kevin Stefanski, and Sean McDermott, despite Stefanski’s dual Coach of the Year awards and McDermott’s consistent playoff success.
McGuinness’s rankings underscore the competitiveness among NFL head coaches, where Super Bowl victories often distinguish the top-tier leaders. Campbell’s peers ahead of him on the list have all achieved this pinnacle, except for LaFleur, who boasts a strong track record of winning seasons.
Looking ahead, Campbell’s ability to guide the Lions to a Super Bowl appearance could elevate his standing further in such rankings. A Super Bowl victory would undoubtedly solidify his place among the NFL coaching elite.
In summary, while Campbell ranks behind several Super Bowl-winning coaches, his rapid impact and potential for future success position him as a coach to watch in the evolving landscape of NFL leadership.
