Lions offered head coach job to someone else before Dan Campbell, that person accepted — here’s what happened.

The Lions nearly landed a future coaching icon in 2021 when they offered the head coaching job to Matt Campbell, then head coach at Iowa State, who initially accepted before deciding to stay in college. The piece recounts how Campbell’s decision set the stage for Detroit to hire Dan Campbell, who has become a centerpiece of the franchise’s modern turnaround and perennial contender status. It highlights ESPN’s Jake Trotter reporting that Campbell rebuffed numerous overtures from major programs, and notes Campbell’s own playful remark about the “Campbell” connection during his introductory press conference, underscoring how close the Lions were to a different leadership era.

Key details include:
– Campbell’s initial acceptance and subsequent retraction, leading to Dan Campbell’s hire.
– The broader context of Campbell’s coaching appeal, including past bids from Texas and USC.
– The idea that Detroit’s coaching trajectory might have diverged, with implications for players like David Montgomery who were connected to Campbell’s Iowa State tenure.

Key Takeaways:
– The Lions nearly chose Matt Campbell in 2021, but the coaching fortunes shifted to Dan Campbell, shaping the team’s current competitive trajectory.
– Campbell’s reputation and decision-making are framed as pivotal in the Lions’ franchise evolution.
– The narrative connects Campbell’s Iowa State success to Detroit’s present and possible future player acquisitions.