Dan Campbell has risen to cult status in Detroit. After leading the team to its first division victory since 1993 and making a deep run in the playoffs, he has also continued to outperform this season.
The Lions, with a record of 8-1, are once again at the top of the NFC North and are favorites to clinch the top NFC playoff spot as well. However, NFL analyst Mike Florio argues this will not let him win the 2024 Coach of the Year award.
Dan Campbell Set To Miss Out on 2024 Coach of the Year
Campbell took over the Lions as their head coach in 2021. Since then, the 48-year-old has taken one of the most successful rebuilding jobs in the league. The Lions look to be peaking this season with a seven-game winning streak.
However, on NBC’s Pro Football Talk, Florio highlighted an issue in the selection process that will hamper Campbell’s chances. “It’s the guy who coaches the team that’s the biggest surprise of the year in a good way,” he said. “That’s who wins Coach of the Year. And it shouldn’t be that way.”
“Like Dan Campbell’s Lions are not going to exceed expectations…. But it’s not coach of the year. It’s the coach of the team that most exceeded expectations. That’s who wins Coach of the Year,” argued Florio on his show.
Last season, Kevin Stefanski took home the coveted award. The Cleveland Browns suffered several injuries during the regular season and finished 11-6. They lost the AFC Wild Card Game to the Houston Texans.
Dan Campbell Is in Awe of His Team’s Grit
At halftime in their Week 10 game against the Texans, the Lions were down by 16 points. However, they scored 19 unanswered points in the next two quarters to win the game 26-23. Campbell, while talking to the press after the game, couldn’t hide his elation.
“This is what great teams do. This is what great teams do,” Campbell said. “Even when you’re having an off day. You find a way, man. You freaking find a way and you will it to happen.”
The Lions will welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field this Sunday for their Week 11 game. Kickoff is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET.