Say what you might about his crying after Sunday’s loss, but it was just another example of Dan Campbell’s passion and commitment.
After another gut-wrenching 19-17 on a last-second field goal, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell showed some raw emotions, even shedding a tear or two, at his post-game press conference on Sunday. Through his un-edited response after this loss, Campbell should have earned even more respect from the Motor City fanbase.
These tears were not a sign of weakness. Quite the contrary, actually. Campbell is invested. He’s 100-percent all-in on these Lions. He doesn’t seem to care that they are in the middle of a massive rebuilding process. He wants to win so bad he feels it in his heart and shows it on his sleeve when things don’t go his way.
This is a far cry from the seemingly emotionless responses of the last successful Lions head coach, Jim Caldwell. It was rare to see any excitement or disappointment cross his face as he was even-keeled on the sideline. But Campbell, he’ll let it out. From talking about metaphorical kneecap biting to tears, he’s not afraid to show his emotions.
Detroit Lions players are buying in to Dan Campbell
Campbell has the players behind him, a stark contrast from the first-year head coach in Jacksonville, where they are also 0-5. For the first time in a while, there is a positive vibe within the Detroit Lions. Maybe it is the low expectations surrounding a rebuilding process, but this team isn’t giving up. They aren’t shutting down when the score looks insurmountable. They are try to scratch and claw their way back.
The effort level the players bring shows they are buying into whatever Campbell is selling. That’s a huge contrast from the previous regime, and former head coach Matt Patricia. The team doesn’t look like they are trying to replicate another franchise, as Patricia tried to bring the “Patriot Way” to Detroit without the credibility to get it done. Campbell is doing it his way, and he’ll succeed or fail doing it his way.
With a coach that cares this much about his team and isn’t afraid to show it, the winning will hopefully come. The players want it for the coach as much as the coach wants it for the players. A true sense of team is being built inside the walls of the Detroit Lions locker room. Time will tell if meaningful winning follows. Campbell’s passion and commitment was on full display again Sunday, and it won’t be the last time he shows it.