Lions' Dan Campbell Gives High Praise for Raiders' AP

Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell can relate to Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce, as both a former NFL player and former NFL interim head coach.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell has become the blueprint of how to be a successful players' coach.

Campbell's experience as a player in the NFL is a significant factor in why that is.

The Las Vegas Raiders now have their own Coach Campbell with Antonio Pierce, another head coach who is able to rely on his playing days to inspire his players.

From one former player and interim head coach to another, Campbell can tip his hat when he sees a coach trying to build a winning culture.

"Antonio did a good job over there," Campbell said when he addressed the media at the 2024 NFL Combine on Tuesday. "I mean, so that speaks for him. It's not an easy situation; I've been in that [situation] as an interim.

"And to take over and you're trying to do it your way, but you're trying to keep it afloat. But I thought he did a tremendous job, he earned that. He earned another opportunity.

Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell can relate to Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce as both a former NFL player and former NFL interim head coach / © Lon Horwedel | 2023 Oct 30

"So, I'm sure I am part of that as far as -- not that -- but just the: 'Hey, maybe there is a thing with the ex-players.' But I think those guys have done a good job -- DeMeco's [Ryan] done a good job, he's earned that. So, I just bring it up again -- you can find good coaches who are ex-players and coaches who have never played the game at the NFL level.

"You can, so they're out there, you've just got to find them."

Ironically, Campbell's Lions were the team responsible for former Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels' last straw. After Las Vegas fell to Detroit in that Week 8 game last season, Pierce took over as interim head coach and would finish the season with a 5-4 record.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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