'He's a Stone-Cold Killer': Dan Campbell Must Emulate Sean Payton

Dan Campbell must take on the trait on his former mentor.

In the final stretch of the season, the Detroit Lions have the opportunity to accomplish several of their goals created at the start of the season. 

With Dan Campbell facing his former mentor this week, much of the discussions during media sessions has been learning just how much Sean Payton influenced Detroit's third-year head coach. 

With his young roster embarking on their first division title in decades and first playoff appearance since 2016, Campbell must emulate key traits from the Super Bowl champion coach of the Denver Broncos. 

"I’ve spent, I don’t know how long I’ve been in this League, over 20 years. But you’re talking about eight as a player, five as a coach," Campbell expressed, when asked how Payton has shaped his coaching style. "I mean, my career has been with him and so I see football the way he sees it. 

"That’s what I learned, that’s how I learned, for the most part. Between he and then the time I spent with Coach (Bill) Parcells, which heavily influenced Coach Payton as well, what they’re doing is really what we’re doing. I mean, it really is for the most part," Campbell explained further. "There’s a couple of tweaks here and there. I’m sure he’s -- but for the most part, it’s the same roadmap and it’s proven to be successful.”

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Campbell does not yet have his current team playing up to their capabilities heading into the final month of the season. 

A myriad of injuries and roster deficiencies has played a part in the undisciplined play of late, but Detroit's popular head man must rally his team and become closers down the stretch. 

"It evens out, that’s what I think. I think yes, but also no, because you know each other. So, it’s like because of that, you think you’ve got the nugget, but they also know you, so then they find their nugget as well," Campbell indicated, when discussing the challenges matching up against an NFL coach he knows that well. "So, I think he has a pretty good idea about what we want to do and our process, just like I do his being in there. 

"So, look, he’s not going to shy away from being who they are and what has gotten him to this point. They’re going to lean on those. However, he’s going to have the wrinkles, he always does. And I just, I bring it back, man he is, in this profession, in games, he’s a stone-cold killer," Campbell continued. "So, that’s why I say, 'He’s going to be looking for it and we’re going to be prepared for it.' But we think very much the same way, so we’re looking forward to this. This is going to be an outstanding matchup. This is a good team. They’re playing really good football. They’re playing smart, clean football. And that’s why they’re winning.”