Detroit Lions announce contract extension for head coach Dan Campbell

The Detroit Lions announced contract extensions on Thursday for several key members of the leadership, including head coach Dan Campbell. The team also extended general manager Brad Holmes, as well as Special Assistant to the President/CEO and Chairperson Chris Spielman.

Campbell will stick with the Lions at least through the 2027 season thanks to his new extension. He’s compiled a 24-26-1 record in Detroit and this season, he led the team to their first playoff victory in 32 years. The Lions won the NFC North after going 12-5 in the regular season. Their appearance in the NFC Championship game was the team’s first since 1991.

For all those accolades this year, Campbell was an Associated Press Coach of the Year Finalist. In 2021, the head coach’s first season with the team, they went 3-13-1.

Speculation brewed about the Lions head coach potentially making a jump into collegiate coaching when the Texas A&M job opened up in November. Campbell was a tight end in College Station from 1995 through 1998 before being selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since retiring from football in 2009, his only coaching experience has been in the NFL, however. He opted to continue coaching the Lions while Mike Elko took the job at his alma mater instead.

Lions reward key staff members

“I could not be more proud of the work that Brad, Dan and Chris have done for our organization,” Lions President and CEO Rod Wood said. “They have selflessly worked together to build a winning culture within the Lions. I am excited to continue working with them to create the sustained success that we envision for the team, our fans, and the city of Detroit.”

Brad Holmes came into his role just six days before Campbell in 2021. He earned the PFWA’s NFL Executive of the Year award in 2023 for his roster building. While GM of the Lions, he’s acquired key pieces of the roster such as Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.

Chris Spielman played for the Lions after the team drafted him 29th overall in 1988. In eight seasons at linebacker, he set the franchise record for tackles (1,138), a record that he still holds today. He rejoined the organization in 2021 as a Special Assistant to Principal Owner and Chair Sheila Hamp and President/CEO Rod Wood.