The Detroit Lions: Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s Master Plan Finally Coming to Fruition…
For most NFL fans, the Detroit Lions’ success in recent seasons has come as a surprise. The team, long relegated to the bottom of the NFC North, has found itself competing for playoff spots, generating national buzz, and even receiving attention as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. But if you’ve been paying attention closely, none of this should come as a shock. The foundation for this success was laid when Brad Holmes was hired as the Lions’ general manager in 2021 and Dan Campbell was brought on as head coach in 2020.
The truth is, the Lions’ rise is not some fluke or unexpected anomaly. It was a deliberate, methodical, and carefully executed plan from Day 1 one that is now paying dividends. Let’s take a closer look at how the vision of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell is finally coming to fruition.
The Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell Blueprint
When Brad Holmes was hired as general manager in January 2021, many Lions fans were eager to see what direction the team would take. Holmes had come from the Los Angeles Rams, where he had been part of a front office that helped build a consistent winner, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. Holmes’ reputation as a sharp evaluator of talent, especially in the draft, was his calling card. Alongside him, Dan Campbell a former tight end, assistant coach, and the charismatic leader behind the “kneecap-biting” mentality was tapped to bring an aggressive, no-nonsense style to the sideline.
From the very start, both Holmes and Campbell made it clear that they were building something different in Detroit. They weren’t interested in quick fixes, flashy signings, or taking shortcuts. Instead, they wanted to rebuild the team from the ground up, focusing on long-term success rather than instant gratification.
1. Commitment to the Long-Term Vision
A big part of what made the Lions’ turnaround so unexpected to outsiders was how methodical it was. Detroit wasn’t swinging for the fences in free agency or making any headline-grabbing trades. Instead, Holmes and Campbell focused on creating a sustainable, balanced roster, with a particular emphasis on the lines of scrimmage—something that had been sorely lacking for years.
When Holmes first took over, the Lions were coming off a 5-11 season, and the cupboard was bare in several key areas. But rather than try to win now with a patchwork roster, he and Campbell focused on building the foundation for future success.
This meant investing in the offensive and defensive lines, two areas that often get overlooked in favor of skill players. They made sure the trenches were strong, understanding that you need a dominating offensive line to protect your quarterback and a stout defensive front to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run.
Their approach also meant being patient in the draft. Rather than trading away draft picks or chasing immediate returns, they targeted players who fit the long-term vision for the franchise. From drafting Penei Sewell, a generational talent at tackle, in 2021 to selecting Aidan Hutchinson, one of the most impactful defensive players in the 2022 draft, Holmes proved that his focus was on both improving the immediate roster and setting the stage for sustained success.
2. Building a Culture: The Campbell Effect
While Holmes was doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, Campbell’s role in establishing the team’s identity cannot be understated. Campbell came in with a clear vision of what he wanted the Lions to be: tough, physical, and relentless. He emphasized building a team that would play hard for one another, and he quickly became a fan favorite with his gritty, emotional speeches and his emphasis on “biting off kneecaps.”
But Campbell’s impact went far beyond motivational speeches. He worked to instill a culture of accountability and discipline. He didn’t just want a group of athletes; he wanted players who would buy into the idea of playing for something greater than themselves something that would eventually translate into success on the field.
Under Campbell’s leadership, the Lions began to show significant improvement, even in their early seasons. While the wins weren’t always there in 2021 and 2022, the team was competitive. They played with a physicality and tenacity that reflected Campbell’s no-excuses mentality. That’s why when the Lions began to put everything together in 2023, it felt like a natural progression.
3. The 2023 Season: A New Era for Detroit
By the time the 2023 season rolled around, the groundwork was in place. The Lions had developed a top-notch offensive line, a budding star in quarterback Jared Goff, and a defense that was beginning to show signs of life under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Most importantly, the culture that Campbell had fostered had begun to bear fruit.
In 2023, the Lions emerged as one of the NFL’s most exciting teams. They posted a 9-3 record at the midway point of the season and were not only competing for the NFC North title but had established themselves as a legitimate threat in the postseason conversation. Detroit’s offense, led by Goff and a diverse group of skill players, was dynamic and efficient. The defense, which had been an Achilles’ heel in previous years, was much improved, thanks to the contributions of players like Hutchinson, who had developed into one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers.
Much of the Lions’ success in 2023 could be attributed to their ability to draft well, develop talent, and make smart roster moves. Holmes’ strategy of building through the draft, combined with his savvy acquisitions in free agency, gave Detroit the depth and talent it needed to compete at a high level.
4. The Unsung Heroes: Team Building and Player Development
Beyond the obvious stars like Hutchinson and Goff, the Lions’ success also comes from the unsung heroes those who may not be getting national recognition but play key roles in the team’s success. Holmes and Campbell have excelled at identifying and developing role players who fit the team’s culture. Whether it’s players like linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, or cornerback Jerry Jacobs, the Lions have consistently found value in the draft and free agency.
This is where the long-term planning comes into play. The Lions’ coaching staff, under Campbell, has done a phenomenal job of developing players and maximizing their potential. They aren’t just relying on high draft picks to carry the team; they’re developing depth across the board, ensuring that every player understands their role and plays within the system.
The Road Ahead: Continuation of the Plan
As the Lions continue their push for playoff success and perhaps even a Super Bowl appearance, it’s clear that their success is no accident. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s plan from Day 1 was always about building a strong foundation, cultivating the right culture, and being patient with the process. In a league where many teams opt for short-term fixes, the Lions have resisted the temptation to take shortcuts.
For fans of the team, the next few seasons should be an exciting ride. The Lions aren’t just a flash in the pan they’re built to last. The work that Holmes and Campbell have put in since arriving in Detroit is paying off, and the team’s future looks brighter than it has in decades.
So, while many outside of Detroit might still be surprised by the Lions’ success, those who have been paying attention know that this was all part of the plan. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell didn’t just want to build a team they wanted to build a legacy. And if the first few years of their partnership are any indication, that legacy is just beginning.
