Dan Campbell has almost single-handedly rejuvenated an entire NFL franchise.
The Detroit Lions are the most success-starved organisation in the NFL but under Campbell their fortunes are beginning to change.
After racing out to an 8-2 start, their best start to a season since 1962, Detroit clinched their first division title in 31 years with a 30-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Eve.
The 11-4 Lions are guaranteed at least the No.3 seed in the NFC playoffs and have secured a home playoff game for the first time in 22 seasons at Ford Field.
All of which is a far cry from the Lions’ infamous 2008 season – widely regarded as one of the worst seasons in NFL history.
Although injured for most of that season, Dan Campbell was part of the Lions team who finished 0-16 and became only the second team since the AFL–NFL merger to finish a full-length season winless.
“Motor City Dan Campbell” was a long-haired tight end back then and was instantly recognisable for his luscious brown locks.
These days the straight-shooting head coach rocks a more no-nonsense style cut but still sports that same iconic goatee.
The ex TE was released by the Lions in 2009 and went on to win Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints.
However, he spent the entire season on injured reserve with an MCL injury and did not receive a Super Bowl ring by the team.
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