An Emotional Dan Campbell Explains Why Lions Passed Up Field Goals for Fourth-Down Attempts

“I understand the scrutiny I’ll get. That’s part of the gig, man.”

The Detroit Lions saw a 17-point lead slip away as they lost in devastating fashion during Sunday’s NFC championship against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lions coach Dan Campbell’s unwillingness to stray from his philosophy of remaining aggressive on fourth down proved costly during the game, as the Lions failed on two fourth-down attempts while in field-goal range during the second half.

After the game, an emotional Campbell addressed the media, and was quickly asked a question about his aggressive play-calling in those key fourth-down situations.

Campbell, fighting back tears, told explained his stance, saying that he’s aware he’ll face scrutiny for his decisions, but has no regrets over the play calls. 

“I just felt good about us converting, getting our momentum, and not letting them play long ball," Campbell said of the decision to go for it in the fourth quarter. “They were bleeding the clock out, that’s what they do. 

“You know, I wanted to get the upper hand back.”

Lions head coach Dan Campbell on his fourth-down decisions: pic.twitter.com/QGwk8n7ojh

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) January 29, 2024

“It’s easy in hindsight, I get it. But I don’t regret those decisions. It’s hard because we didn’t come through,” he added. “I understand the scrutiny I’ll get. That’s part of the gig, man. Just didn’t work out.” 

The Lions’ lone field goal in Sunday’s loss came just prior to the end of the first half, in which kicker Michael Badgley converted from just 21 yards out. Campbell stuck to his philosophy and kept the kicker sidelined in the second half, preferring to roll the dice with the offense, though it backfired.

Campbell maintained that he doesn’t regret going for it during those key moments, having stuck to the philosophy that landed Detroit in the conference championship for the first time since 1991.