Ex-Lions head coach Buddy Parker advances in Hall of Fame selection process

Parker formally played fullback, linebacker, and defensive back and was a member of the Lions' first championship team in 1935. He played just two seasons for the Lions before being traded to the Chicago Cardinals. Parker played seven seasons for the Cardinals before retiring after the 1943 season.

Parker quickly transitioned into coaching, becoming an assistant with the Cardinals before becoming their co-head coach in 1949. Parker abruptly resigned midseason and joined the Lions as a backfield coach in 1950. Parker was quickly promoted to head coach in 1951 after Bo McMillin's resignation.

Known for his innovation in the two-minute offense and nickel defense, as well as his superstitions regarding players wearing the number 13, Parker ushered in the most successful run in franchise history. Parker's win percentage (.671) is second in franchise history, and his three postseason wins still lead the franchise. Those winning ways culminated in two NFL Championships in 1952 and 1953. Parker was also named the UPI Coach of the Year in 1956.

After his time in Detroit ended in 1956, Parker joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was later joined by his Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne. Parker continued coaching until 1964, when he resigned, allegedly due to being unsatisfied with the Steelers' poor roster construction. For his career, Parker finished with a record of 104-75-9.

In November, the Pro Football Hall of Fame screening committee will bring the list of potential Hall of Famers down to nine semifinalists. Parker has been a finalist in the past, including in 2024 as a contributor.

Parker is next on Dan Campbell's list as he climbs the franchise wins ranking

Parker's tenure as the Lions' head coach was a golden age for the franchise. After his departure, it would be a long time before the franchise hired a head coach whose success could even begin to compare.

65 years after Parker coached his final game for the Lions, the Lions hired Dan Campbell in 2021. Now in his fifth season, Campbell has put together an impressive résumé with a record of 44-30-1. His win percentage (.593) is easily the best since Parker and is just one of three Lions' head coaches to have multiple playoff wins. The first of those playoff wins ended a three-decade-long playoff win drought.

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With Monday's victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Campbell broke a three-way tie with Schmidt and Monte Clark for fifth-most wins in franchise history. Next man up on the ladder? Parker and his 47 wins with the Lions. Campbell still has a ways to go to pass Wayne Fontes' franchise mark of 66 wins, but given his success so far, it's only a matter of time. Potentially even by the end of next season.

Despite his success, especially after losing his two coordinators, Campbell is still missing the all-important championship. The wins are amazing, but the fanbase is hungry for a championship. Parker's potential enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a reminder that there's still plenty of work ahead.