ESPN Names Lions Coach Dan Campbell Best Hire Since 2021

The Detroit Lions have seen a remarkable turnaround under Dan Campbell's leadership over the past five seasons.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN recently honored Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell as the best coaching hire since 2021, citing the team's dramatic improvements in trades, free agency, drafting, and overall culture shift under his leadership. Campbell, who is now in his fifth season with the Lions, has already led the team to a division title and playoff appearance, making him the third winningest coach in franchise history.

Why it matters

The Lions were in a dismal state before Campbell's arrival, going 14-33-1 under the previous regime. His ability to quickly turn the team around and build one of the league's best rosters is a testament to his coaching acumen and the positive culture he has instilled in Detroit.

The details

ESPN's Bill Barnwell cited Campbell's aggressive decision-making on fourth down, the team's success in 2023 and 2024 despite injuries, and the complete roster overhaul as key factors in naming him the best coaching hire since 2021. Barnwell also believes Campbell has the best chance of any recent hire to still be coaching the Lions 15 years from now.

  • Dan Campbell was hired as the Detroit Lions head coach in 2021.
  • The Lions broke a 30+ year division title drought and returned to the playoffs for the first time since that division title under Campbell.
  • Campbell is now the third winningest coach in Lions franchise history.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who has led the team to a remarkable turnaround over the past five seasons.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who has worked closely with Campbell to improve the team's roster through trades, free agency, and the draft.

Matthew Stafford

The former quarterback of the Detroit Lions, who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in a move that helped kickstart the team's rebuilding process.

Jared Goff

The quarterback acquired by the Detroit Lions in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Rams, who has been a key part of the team's roster overhaul.

Taylor Decker

The offensive tackle who is the only significant player from the roster Campbell inherited that is still on the team in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's worth noting just how low the Lions were before Campbell arrived. Detroit had gone 14-33-1 under Matt Patricia and interim coach Darrell Bevell. It hadn't won a playoff game since 1991.”

— Bill Barnwell, NFL Insider (ESPN)

“It took a year and a half of frustrating losses, but Campbell turned the Lions into one of the league's model organizations. Yes, 2025 was a frustrating year, as the Lions missed departed offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, dealt with injuries and ran into some tough luck in one-score games, but they have one of the best rosters in football.”

— Bill Barnwell, NFL Insider (ESPN)

“Put it this way: If you had to predict a single hire from the past five years to still be in his current job 15 years from now, whom would you pick? My choice would be Campbell, who has become the face of the franchise in Detroit.”

— Bill Barnwell, NFL Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions will look to build on their success and make another deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Dan Campbell's ability to quickly turn around the struggling Detroit Lions franchise and build one of the league's best rosters is a testament to his coaching skills and the positive culture he has instilled in the organization. His aggressive decision-making and long-term vision have positioned the Lions as a model NFL franchise.