After a report surfaced on Thursday that Detroit Lions head coach is not interested in being the next head coach at Texas A&M, Campbell went on the record and confirmed that position on Friday.
During his media availability on Friday, Campbell said he is willing to do anything he can to help his alma mater except for actually coaching them.
It is completely understandable as to why Campbell’s name became connected with the Aggies. Not only did he graduate from the school, but he is also one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the NFL. Texas A&M has deep pockets when it comes to its football program, and it never hurts for it to reach out to a big name in its search.
It’s also understandable as to why Campbell has zero interest in taking that job.
No successful NFL coach — or any NFL coach at all — is going to willingly take what would be considered a demotion within the profession, even if there is an absurd amount of money involved.
There are only 32 NFL head coaching jobs, they are the most desired jobs in football, and you do not get many opportunities to take them.
The only coaches who are going to make the NFL-to-NCAA transition are people who already have a background in the NCAA and are better suited for that role.
While being a head coach in the NFL is a huge task, it is still more desirable than having to deal with recruiting, boosters, NCAA regulations and everything that comes with running a major college football program. Whenever established NFL coaches get asked about rumors like this there are always emphatic denials (like when Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin sounded off about USC rumors a couple of years ago).
Campbell has coached the Lions since the start of the 2021 season and has compiled a 19-23-1 record. The Lions are 16-10 over the past two years, however, and 15-4 in their past 19 games dating back to Week 9 of the 2022 season. They are one of the fastest improving teams in the NFL and starting to look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.