Here is what new Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said in his opening remarks at the team’s press conference on Thursday in Allen Park:
“Hello to all of you. I can’t believe how happy I am to be here. I have to make sure I control myself, so there might be a few moments where I’m not visible at all on screen because I’m moving. I’ll try my hardest. To start, though, let me clarify that one of the ways I got here during the head coach search was by telling my agent, Rick Smith, to “make sure that they think I’m Matt Campbell.” Thus, I believe that’s why this has been so successful for me.
that I, Dan Campbell, am occupying the seat. But I am aware that a Campbell is always a good choice.
I must thank a great many individuals here first, listen. It’s unbelievable how happy I am to be here. I’m thrilled. This is one of the occupations I mentioned earlier. I instructed my agent to do whatever it takes to get me in front of Rod Wood, President & CEO, and Sheila Hamp, Principal Owner and Chairman of Ford Hamp. I knew the city because I had played here when this became accessible. I understand the main idea. I am familiar with the individuals. Both the community and the location are unique.
In a moment, I will go into further detail about that. Alright, I have a lot of people to thank. First and foremost, Holly, my spouse. We have been wed for more than 20 years. Man, she has been my rock. She has moved in tandem with me and is honest with me, sometimes not in a positive way, but she will tell me straight up what she thinks, and that is a good thing. My children, my daughter Piper and son Cody, have moved and adjusted and have been my strongest supporters. I must thank them initially.
Many people have had an impact on me. I was coached in college by R.C. Slocum. He was outstanding. I gained a great deal of knowledge about the game’s instruments, game dynamics, and manners of respect. Undoubtedly, Bill Parcells had a significant impact on me. I’ll always be grateful to him for the way he teaches you to immerse yourself in the game and, more significantly, for teaching you what drives players and how to maximize their potential. At the New York Giants, I had a tight end coach named Mike Pope, who, to be honest, taught me probably more about the game than anyone else at any given moment. I learned offensive football from him, starting with the quarterback position and working my way up to the run game.
thankful for him. I want to make sure that I give special attention to a few of the folks that I will be missing. Finally, but most importantly, I owe everything to all the men on this offensive staff because we all worked together and put in a lot of effort. Don’t even get me started on the New Orleans family I recently left. I pulled the fortunate straw. I was the man who. My receivers coach, D.J. (Williams, offensive assistant), works with quarterbacks; Joel Thomas, our running backs coach; Pete Carmichael, the offensive coordinator; Joe Lombardi, the quarterback coach; and Declan Doyle, our offensive assistant, were all kind.
You highlight a cohesive team, not just our offensive players, and the defensive staff as well. You also note a great work atmosphere. That is what I hope to do here. It’s just a group of guys that want to grow together, improve themselves, and learn about the game. They also understand that a man’s weakness is another man’s strength, and vice versa. We are able to cover for one another.
Sean (Payton) firmly believes that coachability is not as vital as compatibility. You and I both understand that compatibility is crucial. It’s quite significant. It doesn’t matter how good the instructors are; if they are all alphas and constantly attempting to eat each other alive, nothing will ever get done in the room. I’m acutely aware of those factors. (General Manager/Executive Vice President, Saints) I thought Mickey Loomis was amazing. He served as my constant sounding board. He was quite good. He was a man who understood how to take advantage of Sean Payton. Yes, he did. The way those two collaborate is the way that Brad Holmes, the executive vice president and general manager.
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