TheAthletic: The genius of Dan Campbell: ‘He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around’

> # The genius of Dan Campbell: ‘He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around’
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“For a while, he was playing into it,” Goff says. “‘So what, people think I’m a meathead? They think I’m stupid? Good. I hope they do.’

“I’ve been around a lot of really, really smart coaches in this league,” the QB continues. “He’s right there with them.”

One difference?

“He’s very secure in who he is,” Goff says. “There’s a lot of coaches who aren’t.”

“This is how smart he is,” Decker says, speaking on the same topic. “In our meetings the day before a game, he tells us exactly how we’re gonna win. And a day later that’s usually what happens. You know how easy it is to buy into that?

“He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around. So f— what everybody else thinks. I wouldn’t wanna play for any other head coach.”

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Coaches who lose 19 of their first 24 games aren’t supposed to say things like, “It doesn’t matter if you have one ass cheek and three toes, I’ll beat your ass.” But Campbell was saying that when the Lions weren’t beating anyone’s ass.

“People were pointing at him and laughing,” left tackle Taylor Decker remembers.

That first season ate at him. One week, Campbell was in tears at the podium. The next, he called out his quarterback. “That’s not a professional head coach,” Hall of Famer Cris Carter said on “Good Morning Football” a day later. “That’s an amateur head coach.”

Now they’re not sure they can trust him. Not in big moments. They’re worried a mix of aggression and ambition will sabotage everything Campbell’s built and cost the Lions a chance at doing what no one ever thought they would. The coach is a late-game liability, some believe. A reckless renegade.

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Oh, and with regards to play calls…

Ben Johnson calls the plays now, but Campbell tweaks the scheme in the days leading up to games. He’ll flip a motion. He’ll add an audible if the defense shows Cover 2. He’ll remind Goff about a blitz-beater in case the safety creeps up to the line of scrimmage.

He’s known for halting a walkthrough or practice, changing a play on the spot, then ordering the players to have it down for Sunday. “We’re calling this one,” Campbell will warn. Typically, the players say, it pays off.

“We hear all the time that (Johnson) is brilliant, and he is,” Decker says. “But I’m telling you, Dan is too.”

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Another great article. Man they’re coming hot and heavy now that the playoffs are under way. ACTUAL content, you love to see it.

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How ■■■■■■■ cool that the stars finally aligned and we paired a great GM with an equally great coach - exceptional leaders. Bravo Sheila, Rod The Wood, and Chris Spielman. Amazing job by all.

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Coach Dan is the GOAT
Good
‘Ol
Asswhoopin’
Time

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Great read. Thanks for sharing

Many here have been noting that Dan is the guy that stirs the drinks here. He is VERY involved with the offensive scheme. The offense is his offense overall. His aggression was learned from Sean Peyton. Find the defensive fish (weakness) and hi after that. Be willing to pass 50 times or run 50 times.

Our offense is a really Saints approach with Drew Brees. Good OL, esp. interior, WRs who are flexible with an ability to run. I think Dan focuses more on the run game than Sean.

The Steelers game when Dan took over play calling painted the picture years back. Exploit an advantage.

If Ben leaves I think we will be fine.

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https://apnews.com/article/nfl-playoffs-detroit-lions-1334998b7fef34932051aa101f713c2f

He doesn’t say it but I get the feeling he is thinking about McVay here as he says it… McVay feels like a guy lacking confidence

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In fairness McVay is a pretty good coach, but he suffers with a serious disease known as LMS! It impacts about 20 percent of the male population. Little Man Syndrome is often genetic and passed on from generation to generation. LMS is no laughing matter. :smiley:

If you are under 5 foot 6, ask your doctor today about LMS. There are reliable medications that make you look and feel taller. :wink:

Side effects include explosive diahhrea, uncontrollable rage, and shortness.

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Yes he is a good coach but one that mis-treats people often enough that there is something behind it.

Is it LMS?
Is is low EQ?
Is it lack of true confidence in his abilities as a caller/coach?

Something holds him back… doesn’t mean he can’t win another superbowl with the Rams.

Stilts would help :wink:

He can really only coach in LA. He may be a Midwest small, but in Hollywood he’s considered to be of above-average height.

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I believe he’s somewhat insecure when his game plan isn’t working correctly, and he is questioned about it.

I believe that’s ultimately what led to his problems with Goff.

I don’t think that he has the same issues with Stafford because he seems to run the 2015 - 2020 Detroit Lions offense (which Stafford is most comfortable in) out there with a running game.

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But if your tallness lasts more than 4 hours do you have to consult a medical professional?

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Tooootal myth. I had “the tallness” for about15 years running, and it took a motorcycle accident (and unconsciousness) to reduce it a touch. :wink:

The tallness is a gift, under the right circumstances.

You know what makes you appear taller? A man perm :wink:

ron burgundy hairstyle GIF by Anchorman Movie

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I watched most of his post game pressers when Goff was there and he would always stand up and take the blame for mistakes other people made, not so much for his own mistakes.