Matt Campbell nearly became the face of the Detroit Lions before Dan Campbell took the reins. ESPN reported an eight-year contract offer in 2021 that shows just how close the franchise came to a different future.

For five years, Matt Campbell and the Detroit Lions failed to confirm that a formal coaching offer was made in 2021, with reports at the time citing team sources that no such offer existed.

According to a recent ESPN report by Jake Trotter, in 2021, the Detroit Lions' first choice was former Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell over Dan Campbell. But Matt pulled out of the deal and remained with Iowa State.

Trotter wrote, "...In 2021, Campbell initially agreed to coach the Detroit Lions before changing his mind; the Lions hired Dan Campbell instead."

According to the report, Matt dropped out because he was not interested in leaving Ames at that time. The three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year winner has been the head coach of the Iowa State team from 2016 to 2025. He became the head coach of Penn State in December 2025, replacing James Franklin.

According to Sports Reference, since 2021, Matt has maintained a record of 31 wins over 27 losses. With 11 wins secured in 2024, he took the collegiate program to seven bowl games in his 10 seasons.

Dan Campbell even touched on the situation during his 2021 introductory press conference. He joked about being introduced as Matt Campbell.

“...how I ended up here, one of the things would be that I told my agent, Rick Smith,” Dan said. “Make sure that they think I’m Matt Campbell.” “So, I think that’s how this has really worked great for me…you can’t go wrong with a Campbell.”

Now, as of May, Dan Campbell has completed five seasons as the Detroit Lions Head Coach, and the next season is approaching.

Dan Campbell Ultimately Became the Fit for the Lions

While the 2021 offer originally targeted Matt Campbell, Dan Campbell ultimately accepted the position.

Eventually, Dan turned out to be a solid choice, as they won the 2023 and 2024 NFC Titles, plus reached the 2023 Conference championship round for the first time since 1991.

Since taking over in 2021, Campbell has successfully ended the franchise's long dry spell. Since he took command of the Detroit Lions, he has 48 wins over 36 losses, per Pro Football Reference. 

Building the team around his “GRIT” principle, the Lions are again heading for their sixth NFL season under his guidance.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Rudra Dubey