For Lions, ‘It’s Hard to Fail’ With Sheila Hamp Running Ship

Dan Campbell credited Lions' owner for NFC North title.

When Dan Campbell interviewed to be the Detroit Lions head coach prior to the 2021 season, he knew his style of coaching wouldn't be perfect for every team. 

Known as a master motivator, Campbell had just five games of interim head coaching experience entering that meeting. However, three years later, the pairing between Campbell and the Lions' organization has proven to be perfect. 

Campbell remembers owner Sheila Hamp laying out the vision for her team under his guidance. The coach was hired and has since installed a culture that his players have bought into. 

He knew his style wasn't for everyone, but it has proven to be exactly what the Detroit Lions needed.

As a result, the Lions have delivered their first division title in 30 years. Speaking Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell credited Hamp first and foremost for the team's success.

"There's a million people here that I'm happy for and I'm proud of that have had a hand in this, but probably none bigger than Sheila," Campbell explained. "I'm just telling you, man, from the first time we met on a Zoom call and she gave me the vision of what she was looking for and what she wanted, I was exactly who I am today. I was no different on the Zoom. 

“They still make fun of the way I was drinking my coffee. I didn't act like I was somebody I wasn't. They knew exactly what they were gonna get and they either liked it or they didn't. Holly (Campbell's wife) and I talk about it all the time,” he explained further. “There may be one of the 32 teams that I would feel compatible, and this was the one team and it made sense."

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The combination of Campbell and Hamp has proven to be a perfect one for the Lions. Detroit's third-year coach's fearless mentality paired with Hamp's belief has allowed to reach new heights. 

Reflecting on the last three years, and knowing the organization has more in front of it, Campbell detailed how well he and Hamp have worked together. The owner has been a major catalyst in the success of the team as its risen to the top of the NFC North.

"Sheila, I just meshed with her and I knew exactly what she wanted. When you have an owner who allows you to be yourself, gives you the resources you need," Campbell said. "Doesn't tell you how to dress, doesn't tell you how to talk, doesn't tell you what she expects out of you other than what it pertains to football and has your back when you go to owner's meetings and we have to vote on all these different things as it pertains to the game and stands her ground, that's where it all starts."

Campbell also credited his staff, along with general manager Brad Holmes. He and Holmes came to Detroit together in 2021 and laid out the vision for the organization. 

Though the first season was tumultuous, finishing 3-13-1, the vision began to come together with the success late in 2022. Expectations were high heading into 2023, and the Lions delivered with a division championship. 

Additionally, the Lions have reached plenty of highs offensively and defensively under coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Like Campbell and Holmes, Glenn arrived in 2021. 

Johnson took over the offense a season later. The combination of leaders within the organization has proven to be an ideal match, as they've attained many of their goals. 

"And then secondly is Brad Holmes, the GM. He and I are hip to hip, we have been for three years," Campbell explained. "We have a vision for the way we want to build. And so when you do that, and you have the coaches around you that I have, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Dave Fipp along with the assistants, it's hard to fail. And the players, it's about people man. We've got the right players. We've got dudes that care about each other and that's how you change the culture."