Dan Campbell Finishes Second in NFL Coach of the Year Voting: A Closer Look at the Breakdown
Despite an outstanding 2024 season that saw the Detroit Lions set a franchise record with 15 wins, head coach Dan Campbell did not claim the title of NFL Coach of the Year. Instead, that honor went to Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, but Campbell still received significant recognition, finishing second in the voting.
The 2024 Lions under Campbell’s leadership were a force to be reckoned with, clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed and making it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Campbell earned 19 first-place votes, 10 second-place votes, and 8 third-place votes, reflecting the respect he garnered across the league for his coaching prowess and the dramatic turnaround of the Lions. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the top spot, as O’Connell’s ability to lead the Vikings to 14 wins and an unexpected playoff appearance proved to be more compelling to voters.
O’Connell received 25 first-place votes in total, winning the award with his impressive coaching job during a season in which many experts predicted the Vikings would finish near the bottom of the NFC. His success, particularly with quarterback Sam Darnold stepping in as a surprise starter, was a major factor in his receiving the honor. That said, Campbell’s Lions didn’t make it easy for O’Connell—Detroit swept both regular season matchups against Minnesota, including a dominant win at home.
The voting breakdown shows how close the race was between Campbell and O’Connell. Key figures in the NFL media landscape gave Campbell significant backing. Among those voting for Campbell were respected names such as Pat Kirwan, Tom Silverstein, and Doug Farrar, who placed Campbell in the top spot on their ballots. However, several others, including Mike Sando and Armando Salguero, gave their first-place votes to O’Connell, which ultimately propelled the Vikings coach to victory.
Here’s a closer look at how some of the top voters cast their ballots:
– Pat Kirwan: 1st place – Dan Campbell, 2nd place – Sean McDermott, 3rd place – Kevin O’Connell
– Tom Silverstein: 1st place – Dan Campbell, 2nd place – Kevin O’Connell, 3rd place – Dan Quinn
– Mike Sando: 1st place – Kevin O’Connell, 2nd place – Dan Campbell, 3rd place – Andy Reid
– Doug Farrar: 1st place – Dan Campbell, 2nd place – Kevin O’Connell, 3rd place – Andy Reid
– Armando Salguero: 1st place – Kevin O’Connell, 2nd place – Andy Reid, 3rd place – Dan Campbell
Despite his runner-up finish, Campbell’s influence on the Lions’ success in 2024 is impossible to ignore. He transformed the team into a legitimate Super Bowl contender, with an offense that was both explosive and efficient, while the defense significantly improved under his guidance. His coaching philosophy and ability to connect with players was evident in every game.
The fact that Campbell fell short of the award by just six first-place votes shows how closely the race was contested. Even without the Coach of the Year title, Campbell’s stock in the NFL remains high. With another year of growth and a team that looks poised to contend for years to come, the Lions’ future under Campbell looks bright. Fans in Detroit may have been hoping for a victory in this race, but they can take solace in the fact that their coach is widely recognized as one of the best in the business.
While O’Connell’s Vikings may have won the battle for Coach of the Year, Campbell’s leadership was pivotal in turning the Lions into one of the most formidable teams in the NFL. With Campbell at the helm, Detroit’s rise to prominence seems just beginning.
Dan Campbell’s NFL Coach of the Year Votes: Who Was In and Who Was Out?
