David Reginek-Imagn Images

Dan Campbell Name Dropped by 49ers' Kyle Shanahan on Potential Fight With Robert Saleh

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 11:55 PM ET

The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers tangled in the 2023-24 NFC Championship Game in San Francisco with Coach Dan Campbell's Lions jumping out to a 24-7 halftime lead and the 49ers responding with 27 fourth quarter points to win by a final score of 34-31.

The heartbreaking loss derailed the Lions' plans to qualify for Super Bowl LIX, which was later won by the Kansas City Chiefs over coach Kyle Shanahan's 49ers.

The Lions beat the 49ers last year in the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining some measure of closure with this season's Super Bowl scheduled for Levi's Stadium.

On Tuesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell was named dropped by his NFC foe, giving fans a glimpse into the mindset of one of the NFL's most outspoken coaches after a tense confrontation broke out between his defensive coordinator and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen this past Sunday.

Shanahan Picks Dan Campbell in Potential Saleh Fight

A journalist's voice was heard on film asking Shanahan a loaded question.

"Pretty important question...What NFL coaches do you think could beat up Robert Saleh?" he asked the 49ers head coach.

"Just me...That's about it," Shanahan quietly replied.

Dan Campbell's name was then mentioned by the reporter.

"Yeah, I would probably bet on Dan over a lot of people," Shanahan added.

"Saleh's too nice usually," the 49ers' head coach continued.

"But someone struck a cord later...I mean, the other day, but I don't think there's any fights going on. It's kinda comical now that I look back on it."

Kyle Shanahan was asked which NFL coach could beat up Robert Saleh:

“Just me… I’d probably bet on Dan Campbell over a lot of people. Saleh is too nice. Someone (Liam Coen) struck a chord the other day. I don’t think any fight going on. It’s comical looking back on it now.” pic.twitter.com/wuHly8c7b6
— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) September 30, 2025

Lions Off 49ers' Schedule This Season

The Lions don't play coach Shanahan's team this season as the two teams play their home games on separate sides of the country and rarely meet during the regular season.

The Lions have games coming up against the Bengals and Chiefs on the road which could tell a lot about whether Campbell's team will reprise its role as NFC favorites after last year's 15-2 regular season.

The 49ers have road games against the Rams and Buccaneers up next as running back Christian McCaffrey continues his comeback season in the 49ers' scarlet red and metallic gold uniforms.

A 2025-26 49ers-Lions playoff clash would be must-see TV for NFL fans as it would pit two of the league's most talented teams against each other.

A fight between Campbell and Saleh is highly unlikely to break out, but Shanahan's comment confirms what most fans already know about the toughness and strength of the Lions' wildly popular head coach.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: