Lions HC Dan Campbell, GM Brad Holmes Land Contract Extensions After NFL Playoff Run

The Detroit Lions advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 campaign and rewarded two of the primary people who helped make it happen.

On Thursday, the Lions announced head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes agreed to multi-year contract extensions that will keep them both in Detroit through the 2027 season.

"We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons," team owner Sheila Hamp said. "They have been the driving force behind the rebuild of our football team and the success that we have enjoyed. The continuity they provide for our football program will continue to be the key to our future success on the field."

Campbell, who also played tight end for the Lions for three seasons from 2006-08, has orchestrated quite the turnaround in Detroit.

He took over as the head coach ahead of the 2021 season and turned heads with an introductory press conference that included references to biting kneecaps. While it was easy to make jokes at the time, especially given the franchise's history, he now has the Lions in a place where they are one of the best teams in the league.

That wasn't always the case, as they went 3-13-1 in his first season. However, the foundation was put in place for a jump to 9-8 in 2022 and 12-5 this past season.

Not only did the Lions advance far into the playoffs, they won a division crown for the first time since the 1993 season. And they were on the verge of reaching their first ever Super Bowl with a 24-7 halftime lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game before they let it slip away with a poor second-half performance.

Still, there is reason for optimism after such a run, especially given the roster Holmes has constructed.

The general manager took over ahead of the 2021 season as well and has been an important figure in the turnaround thanks to draft picks such as Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Penei Sewell and Brian Branch.

Prior to joining Detroit, Holmes worked for the Los Angeles Rams for 18 years in various roles, including director of college scouting.

That background has paid off, as the Lions have consistently drafted well during his tenure and will look to continue doing so in April.