Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez answers three questions about the hiring of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell on Wednesday.
What do you like about Campbell’s hiring?
Like is a strong word. But let’s just say I appreciate the potential he has to build bridges and unite the locker room as well as the entire organization, along with general manager Brad Holmes. Unity, communication and collaboration are big themes being touted by owner Sheila Ford Hamp and president Rod Wood. This would be the opposite of what the Lions had under the top-down structure of the Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia regime. I hope through his three years with the Lions, and any continued relationships with alumni, Campbell learned enough about what the Fords want and what the fans expect so that he gets a head start in understanding the essence of this franchise and its beleaguered fan base. If any coaching candidate doesn’t know what “SOL” stands for, he shouldn’t bother applying.
JEFF SEIDEL: Lions taking big gamble with Campbell; at least their plan seems clear
What don’t you like about Campbell’s hiring?
My top concern about Campbell is that he didn’t appear to be on any other team’s radar. He only interviewed with the Lions. That means either one of two things: None of the other six teams with openings didn’t view Campbell as a good candidate, or the Lions outfoxed everyone and suddenly have a monopoly on wisdom. Which do you think is more likely? It could also mean that word got out Campbell was the Lions’ pick all along, so no other teams wasted time in pursuing him. That wouldn’t be good, either, because it would mean the Lions weren’t committed to a true search. Campbell has an excellent reputation as a tough player and a committed coach with a commanding presence. But he’s never been a coordinator and his only executive experience is a 5-7 record as the Miami Dolphins’ interim coach in 2015. So it’s been a while since his limited experience of leading an entire team, dealing with reporters and public pressure and working with a GM. And between him and Holmes, he’ll be considered the one with “proven” experience.
[ Lions hire Dan Campbell and fans have gripes, jokes and a little bit of hope ]
What’s the most pressing issue facing Campbell?
My inclination is to say deciding Matthew Stafford’s future with the team. And yes, that’s extremely important and one of the first issues he and Holmes must address. But the most pressing issue for Campbell is understanding that this is a rebuild and not a retool, as Holmes has said. Thanks to the NFL’s pretzel logic, “rebuild” has become a four-letter word with most teams. But Campbell has to understand and accept that making the Lions consistently competitive, let alone turning them into a consistent winner, is not a one- or two-year endeavor. It’s going to be a long process and he won’t have fans and media on his side. That’s the price a franchise pays for 60 years of losing. It’s completely unfair to Campbell and Holmes, but it’s reality. If Campbell can embrace the sad past and the dim immediate future, he should save himself plenty of needless grief the next two years.
Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.