Among the Detroit Lions fans, Barry Sanders holds a special place for his 10-year run with the Lions. However, Sanders reminded fans about one coach who still sits atop the team’s record book.

On May 18, Sanders reshared the Detroit Lions' Instagram post on May 4 on his Instagram story. He did not write any caption, as the coach spotted in the picture is enough for the fans to relate.

"Wayne Fontes: Fashion is art," read the caption of the original post.

Under Wayne Fontes, the 1991 season was one of their best, with the Lions having a record of 12-4 and appearing in the NFC Championship game. They made it to the playoffs three more times in four years.

Holding the franchise record for most wins as head coach, Fontes has a record of 67-71 in all games, including the playoffs, with two division championships. For the 1991 season, he won the Maxwell Club Coach of the Year (Greasy Neale Award), PFWA Coach of the Year, and the AP Coach of the Year.

His biggest contribution to the Lions was his involvement in drafting Sanders. Fontes was known to adjust his offensive schemes to maximize Sanders’ playmaking abilities. 

“After I saw the film, there was no question, Barry was the guy that we wanted,” Fontes said in a phone interview with The Detroit News back in 2019. “I was a new head coach, all these people were writing notes, he ran this fast and he jumped this high."

Sanders is Detroit’s all-time rushing leader with 15,269 yards and 99 rushing touchdowns in 10 years. He’s still closely connected to the organization as a Brand Ambassador and Special Assistant.

While he’s had high praise for Fontes, he sees potential in the current head coach, Dan Campbell.

Sanders Believes in Dan Campbell

Campbell has helped the Lions become an offensive juggernaut since he joined in 2021. Lions legend Sanders has also appreciated Campbell for the changes he has brought to the team and certain players.

“You see how he’s changed the game in how he almost always goes for it on fourth down,” said Sanders during an interview with FanSided in 2025. “Mentality that he has instilled in his team. You’ve got to have talent, but you’ve got to have chemistry."

He has also praised how Campbell has played a role in Jared Goff’s output since joining the Lions from the Rams.

“Look at what Jared Goff has done since he’s been here. He played with a great Rams team that made it to the Super Bowl, but his best years have come here in Detroit.”

Walking into the 2026 season, Campbell will live up to the standards set by Fontes and Sanders.

Do you think Dan Campbell could break Fontes’ record, and how do you think the Lions will do this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar