The Detroit Lions have long been a team overshadowed by struggles and inconsistency. However, recent developments under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have brought a new wave of optimism to the organization.
This transformation has not gone unnoticed, as a recent NFL agents’ survey highlights the significant strides made by the Lions, particularly under the stewardship of Holmes.
Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, has earned a reputation for being a leader that players across the league respect and admire. In various player polls, when asked which coach they would most like to play for (outside of their own), Campbell’s name frequently tops the list.
This is a testament not only to his leadership qualities but also to the culture he has fostered within the team. Campbell’s approach is characterized by authenticity, passion, and a relentless drive to improve, traits that resonate with players.
At a recent post-training camp press conference, Brad Holmes reflected on the journey he and Campbell have embarked on since taking over the reins in Detroit. Holmes candidly acknowledged the challenges they faced in their first two years, noting that initially, much of their effort was focused on attracting talent to Detroit through marketing and persuasion.
As reported by ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Holmes stated, “It has been different… we were trying to attract folks here by marketing and persuading all the time. However, the fact that we have taken action and achieved some positive outcomes does make you feel good.” This shift from persuasion to action underscores the progress the Lions have made under their current leadership.
Winning, as Holmes noted, naturally draws players, but the competent and reliable individuals leading the organization have been equally crucial in the Lions’ resurgence.
This sentiment is echoed in the recent survey conducted by Ben Standig of The Athletic, which gathered insights from 31 NFL agents on various topics. The results were telling: of the 14 teams that received votes for being the best-run organization in the league, the Lions were one of them, securing a vote.
Additionally, in the category of teams that had the best offseason, the Lions garnered one vote out of the eight teams that were recognized. These accolades may seem modest, but they are significant for a team that has often been on the outside looking in.
Brad Holmes, in particular, has received substantial praise for his role in the Lions’ turnaround. In the survey, Holmes tied for second place in the category of best general manager, receiving five votes.
He also secured two votes as the best talent evaluator. One agent, in particular, highlighted Holmes’ resilience and decision-making, stating, “Brad Holmes. He and his team have performed excellently in all aspects of the evaluation.
Real-time doubts were raised about a number of his decisions, including selecting a running back among the top-12 picks, hiring Dan Campbell as head coach, and accepting Jared Goff’s deal as part of the Matthew Stafford trade.
Holmes persisted in his efforts despite the criticism.” This acknowledgment from agents, who have a unique and informed perspective on the workings of NFL franchises, is a strong indicator of the positive direction in which the Lions are headed.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions, under the leadership of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, are earning well-deserved recognition across the league. The agents’ survey serves as a testament to the solid foundation being built in Detroit—a foundation rooted in strategic decisions, strong leadership, and a culture of accountability.
While there is still much work to be done, the Lions are no longer just a team with potential; they are a team on the rise, driven by a clear vision and the right people to execute it.
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