Saints asst. Dan Campbell emerges as favorite for Lions HC job

Saints assistant coach Dan Campbell is now the front-runner for the Lions' head-coaching job. © Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Saints assistant Dan Campbell emerges as favorite for Lions HC job

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/15/21

It appears the Detroit Lions head coaching search may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, New Orleans Saints assistant head coach and tight ends coach Dan Campbell has emerged as the favorite to be the next head coach in Detroit.

Campbell's in-person interview with the Lions cannot be conducted until the Saints are knocked out of the playoffs.

#Saints assistant head coach/TEs coach Dan Campbell has emerged as the favorite to be the new #Lions head coach, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. No in-person interview can be conducted until their season has ended, so it’s all on hold officially until then.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2021

Campbell has served as assistant head coach and tight ends coach in New Orleans since 2016. Before joining the Saints, the 44-year-old spent several seasons with the Miami Dolphins from 2010-15 as a coaching intern, tight ends coach and later interim head coach.

He went 5-7 with the Dolphins after taking over for Joe Philbin following Week 4.

The Lions were slated to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports Detroit canceled because of their interest in Campbell.

The reason it became clear to all involved Bowles wasn't going to be the guy for the #Lions. Cambpell has taken a commanding lead. https://t.co/x8o8HEWUTl
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 15, 2021