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ESPN Says Matt Campbell Accepted Lions Job in 2021, Then Reversed Course

The disclosure underscores how a late reversal redirected Detroit's coaching search.

Overview

  • An ESPN feature published Wednesday reported that Matt Campbell agreed to coach the Detroit Lions in 2021 before changing his mind.
  • After Campbell withdrew, Detroit hired Dan Campbell, who is 48-36-1 with two NFC North titles and two playoff appearances.
  • The 2021 offer to Matt Campbell was reported at $68.5 million over eight years, a figure outlets note is thinly sourced.
  • Campbell remained at Iowa State through 2025 and now leads Penn State after departing as the Cyclones’ winningest coach.
  • The Lions have not confirmed details of their 2021 search, with team president Rod Wood declining at the time to discuss offers to college coaches.