Overview
- An ESPN feature reports Matt Campbell agreed in 2021 to become the Detroit Lions' head coach, then changed his mind before the hire.
- Detroit pivoted to Dan Campbell, who is 48-36-1 with two NFC North titles and two playoff appearances.
- Some outlets cite a reported offer of about $68.5 million over eight years for Matt Campbell, though that figure is only loosely sourced.
- Matt Campbell stayed at Iowa State after the reversal and later accepted the Penn State job following the 2025 season.
- At his 2021 introduction, Dan Campbell joked he told his agent to let Detroit think he was Matt Campbell, underscoring how close the search came.