"Humble Yourself": Dan Campbell Shares Blunt Advice For Demoted Lions Coach
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cheers on his team on the field during pregame warmups before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, December 14, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon46520251214042
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cheers on his team on the field during pregame warmups before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, December 14, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon46520251214042
One year, a coach is helping drive one of the NFL's hottest staffs, but the next, he is adjusting to a very different responsibility. That reality recently played out for the Detroit Lions, with head coach Dan Campbell delivering a candid message
David Shaw used to be the head coach of the Stanford Cardinals, and now, he is a passing game coordinator, forcing him to adjust to a different set of expectations. In the recent interview, Dan Campbell explained that such transitions are never easy.
"When you go from where he's been, you were the interim head coach," said Dan Campbell in the press conference via Detroit Lions. "Then you're kind of sliding back to a role you know with a new team...You've got to humble yourself again a little bit, and that's a good thing."
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts to a play against New York Giants during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts to a play against New York Giants during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Campbell's statement shows the reality that many coaches and players face throughout their careers. Before joining the Lions, David Shaw spent a highly successful tenure (2011 to 2022) at Stanford.
Campbell emphasized that stepping back is not always a setback. Instead, it can provide a good perspective.
Since he took over in Detroit, Campbell has consistently expressed the importance of earning respect through hard work rather than depending on reputation. His approach has helped reform the Lions into one of the NFL's most respected franchises.
Shaw, who won four Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards, leading the Cardinals to three Pac- 12 championships, compiled a 96-54 overall record before stepping down, is now focusing on strengthening the offense of the Lions.
Meanwhile, the passing game coach recently spoke about his approach to coaching. Surprisingly, Shaw doesn't care about winning titles.
"I Don't Care About Titles" David Shaw Embraces Supporting Role at Detroit Lions
After a disappointing 2025 season, Campbell brought Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator and Mike Kafka as passing game coordinator, which led to Shaw transitioning to his new pass game specialist role.
Recently, David Shaw made it clear that personal titles mean little compared to the team's success as he adapts to his role with the Detroit Lions.
“I don’t care about titles. We don’t care about titles. I’m here to help Drew,” said Shaw in the press conference.
Shaw believes success comes from collective effort. His goal is to provide experience, insight, and support to the offense to perform.
He added that winning a championship is the goal, helping Petzing and the offensive line grow is the straight path towards achieving it.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote