Don't want Repeat Offenders: Dan Campbell Makes Locker Room Expectations Clear
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell answers a question before OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell answers a question before OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 29, 2026.
After a 9-8 finish last season, Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell addressed the media during OTAs, outlining what the coaching staff is prioritizing heading into the new season.
Campbell emphasized that the coaching staff is focused on player development and mistake correction during the offseason workout period.
"You don't want repeat offenders, right? ...What are we trying to get out of it?" said Campbell. "It's the mental. It's the processing speed."
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 05: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 during the Detroit Lions versus the Green Bay Packers game on Thursday December 5, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 05 Packers at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon258202412052254
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 05: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 during the Detroit Lions versus the Green Bay Packers game on Thursday December 5, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 05 Packers at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon258202412052254
Campbell also said that the player who consistently identifies formations, and reacts to training will stand out more than someone who keeps repeating the mistakes.
"So, then we just need to, man, can this player learn from that mistake? So, there’s some guys that really are doing a good job with that. And then there’s guys that aren’t."
Campbell thinks processing speed, communication, and the ability to correct one's mistakes are far more important than physical dominance.
Following this discussion, Campbell also updated on Kerby Joseph's return.
Dan Campbell Gave An Update On Safety Kerby Joseph
Joseph has been sidelined with a knee injury that occurred last season, as per Mike Payton of A to Z Sports. The team still has no clarity on his recovery timeline.
"I honestly do not know,” Campbell said. “We’ve done everything we can do, and he’s done everything he can do to this point, and we’re trying to be as smart as we can, and not push this until we absolutely have to, because once we’ve done that, then we’ll know one way or another."
Campbell acknowledged that both the player and the franchise have done everything possible. Joseph's absence leaves an open question in Detroit's secondary, with no confirmed return timeline as of the OTAs.
The All-Pro safety has recorded 20 interceptions since entering the NFL, including nine interceptions in 2024, leading the league that seaon.
Detroit hopes to get a better understanding once Joseph can return to football.
What are your thoughts on Dan Campbell's approach? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey