Saints loss paves way for Lions to officially hire Dan Campbell

Although the New Orleans Saints are leaving the postseason, they’ll be losing Dan Campbell on Monday to the Detroit Lions 

It was only a matter of time before the news became official. Now that the New Orleans Saints have been eliminated from the postseason, the Detroit Lions can celebrate their hiring.

The Lions are expected to officially name Saints tight ends and assistant head coach Dan Campbell as their next leading man. The two parties met over the week and things began looking in favor of Campbell becoming the front-runner for the role.

Campbell, 44, will replace Matt Patricia, who was fired in November after less than three seasons. The former New England Patriots defensive coordinator was expected to bring that winning culture in Foxborough to the Motor City. Instead, he led one of the league’s worst defense and posted a 13-29-1 record.

Detroit finished in fourth place in the NFC North in all three years.

Is Campbell the right fit for the Lions?

Campbell’s perhaps best known for his motivating culture during his time with the Miami Dolphins. Perhaps better as a leader and someone who can bring a team together rather than the X’s and O’s, this could be what brings Detroit into relevancy for the first time since 1993.

Campbell’s only coaching experience with control came following the firing of Joe Philbin in Miami for the final 12 games of the 2015 season. Campbell went 5-7 during that span.

The Lions will be hoping two newbies can workout in a quick turnaround. Detroit officially hired Los Angeles Rams Director of college scouting Brad Holmes to the role of general manager. Although highly-respected around the league, Holmes will need time to develop into a full-fledged GM.

As will Campbell as a head coach.

The biggest task this offseason will be convincing talent to not only join the team but also remain in Detroit. Holmes and Campbell will have to decide what the future plans are for Matthew Stafford under center, as on if they can agree to terms with top target Kenny Golladay.

Several Saints are expected to become free agents, making Detroit a quietly sneaky team in free agency should Campbell’s presence be strong enough to entice them away from the bayou.

Campbell might not seem like the best hire, but only time will tell if it works out. The Joe Judge of 2020, here’s hoping Detroit embraces the chance to work with one of the more energetic coaches in the league.