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Fan Poll Puts Lions’ Dan Campbell on List of Most Overrated Coaches
Despite historic success, Detroit’s head coach faces online criticism
Campbell’s Rise Comes With a Side of Scrutiny
Dan Campbell has done what many believed was impossible: he breathed life into a franchise long defined by heartbreak. But in a twist that might sting for Detroit fans, the man who led the Lions to one of the best seasons in team history is now being called one of the NFL’s most overrated coaches—by the very people who watch every Sunday.
According to a recent breakdown from Action Network’s Alicia Grimes, Campbell ranked sixth on a list of the league’s most overrated head coaches, based entirely on fan reactions and social media sentiment. It’s the kind of list no one wants to top—but also a sign that expectations in Detroit have officially shifted.
Who Ranked Higher—and Why It Matters
Campbell’s company on this list is a curious mix of veterans and newcomers. Steelers icon Mike Tomlin took the top spot, followed by Mike Macdonald of the Seahawks, Sean Payton in Denver, the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, and Jim Harbaugh, now leading the Chargers.
That Campbell landed just behind these names is telling. He’s now seen as someone with real stature in the NFL—a leader whose performance is scrutinized not just by fans in Detroit, but by the entire league.
A Franchise Reborn Under Campbell
When Campbell first stepped into the Lions’ facility in 2021, the team was, frankly, a wreck. That year ended with a 3-13-1 record. But rather than cave under pressure, Campbell built brick by brick. The Lions jumped to 9-8 in 2022, surged to 12-5 the year after, and shocked the league with a 15-2 regular-season run in 2024.
That kind of trajectory doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, leadership—and a locker room willing to fight for every inch.
So Why the Hate?
In a word: expectations. Detroit wasn’t just good last season—they were seen as Super Bowl contenders. So when the Lions were knocked out by Washington in the playoffs—missing key defensive starters and battling injuries—fans on social media were quick to assign blame.
That’s the burden of winning. As Campbell’s profile has grown, so has the impatience of a fanbase starved for a title.
Campbell’s Focus Remains Forward
Is the criticism fair? Probably not.
No coach walks into the postseason dreaming of an injury-riddled roster. And Campbell didn’t fumble, miss tackles, or call every play. But he’s the face of the franchise, and when things go south, the heat lands on him.
The good news: Campbell doesn’t seem bothered. He and GM Brad Holmes have stacked the roster with depth, talent, and heart. And heading into the 2025 season, Detroit is still one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.
Campbell may be called overrated by a handful of fans online—but the standings, the stats, and the city of Detroit would all argue otherwise.