In the firestorm of free agency, the Detroit Lions have taken care of their coach and a key member of their front office. The Lions announced Thursday that they have agreed to contract extensions with both head coach Dan Campbell and executive vice president/ general manager Brad Holmes. The team stated that these extensions will keep both Campbell and Holmes under contract in the ‘Motor City’ through the 2027 season. The details of the financial terms for each deal were not immediately disclosed.
“We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons,” Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Lions just wrapped up one of the greatest seasons in franchise history with a NFC Championship Game appearance and a division title for the first time since 1993. The Lions also tied the franchise record for most wins in a season (12) under the direction of Holmes and Campbell.
Holmes and Campbell were both brought on board by the organization prior to the 2021 campaign and have built the Lions from the ground up into a legitimate contender in the NFC over the course of their tenure. That includes a 2023 campaign where the team won the NFC North, and hosted a playoff game for the first time in the history of Ford Field. They also recorded their first playoff victory in 32 years after taking down the Los Angeles Rams and their old friend Matthew Stafford in the wild-card round. Over the last two seasons, Campbell, who was a finalist for Coach of the Year in 2023, has posted a record of 21-13 as a head coach, which includes a breakout 12-5 campaign by Detroit last season.
Holmes has been exemplary, overseeing the personnel department and has enjoyed particular success in the NFL Draft. Last year, the Lions chose a number of high-impact rookies, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. Those efforts helped Holmes be named PFWA NFL Executive of the Year for 2023.
On top of Campbell and Holmes, the team also announced a multiyear extension with special assistant to the president/CEO and chairperson Chris Spielman.
Spielman, one of the most accomplished players in Lions franchise history, was drafted by the team in 1988 (29th overall). In eight seasons as a linebacker, Spielman set the franchise record for tackles (1,138), a record that he still holds today. Spielman made his way back to the organization in 2021 as a Special Assistant to Hamp and President/CEO Rod Wood. In his current role, Spielman helps across the organization and has been an integral part of re-establishing a culture that he took pride in on the field for the Lions.
