Lions' Dan Campbell disrespect just reached an insulting new level

The Detroit Lions have turned their fortunes quickly, thanks in large part to the decision to hire Dan Campbell in 2021, and he has gained a strong following in league circles as a result.

Campbell has shaken a long-struggling franchise, bringing a level of accountability and winning rarely seen in Detroit football. Despite his overwhelming success, he continues to find credit hard to come by.

Recently, Pro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman ranked the top 10 coaches in the NFL entering 2025. Campbell placed ninth on the list, just ahead of the embattled Kevin Stefanski, despite the massive positives from his tenure.

"When Dan Campbell was first hired in 2021, he emphatically announced that he would change the Detroit Lions' culture," writes Wasserman. "He's done that and so much more. After starting 4-19-1 over his first year and a half as head coach, Campbell found a way to flip the switch, and the Lions have now won 35 of their past 44 regular-season games."

Despite that, Campbell ranked below names such as Sean McVay, John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin, and Jim Harbaugh on the list. All of those coaches have either competed in or won a Super Bowl, likely making this a lifetime achievement ranking rather than a comprehensive assessment of who is the best in the game right now.

Regardless, for all those who are paying attention, Campbell has proven himself in more ways than one to be part of the NFL's elite.

Why Lions' Dan Campbell undoubtedly deserves more credit for his coaching

Perhaps the reason Campbell is underrated? Not enough people see him as the reason for Detroit's success, especially offensively. He flies under the radar as a decision-maker by play-acting as a goofball, which allows others to generate headlines as decision-makers.

Fox Sports analyst Mark Schlereth is in Campbell's corner, as he has already proven this offseason. Joining "The Rich Eisen Show," Schlereth once again beat the drum for Campbell to receive far more praise for his tactical work.

"I don't think people really understand how smart and how good a coach he is and what an offensive guy he was," he said. "Remember when he came to Detroit, I don't want to say begrudgingly, but it took a little time to give the offense over to Ben Johnson and they worked that in unison. Dan had a lot to do with how that offense has been established and the way they run that offense. I give them a lot of credit on that."

At this point, all that's left for Campbell to do is sustain playoff success, lead his team to the Super Bowl and win it. If that mission is accomplished, perhaps Campbell will generate some of the list love his colleagues always earn.