'You Don’t Forget': Dan Campbell Recalls Tough Loss Before Week 3 Ravens Matchup

This time, Campbell insists the approach is different.

"We know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m telling you, we’re looking forward to it. These are fun, man. These are as good as it gets," he said.

Campbell’s path to becoming Detroit’s head coach started after a playing career with four franchises, highlighted by a Super Bowl title with the New Orleans Saints in 2009, though he spent that season on injured reserve. He began coaching in 2010, first as an intern, then as a tight ends coach, later serving as an interim head coach and an assistant before taking over the Lions in 2021.

His first years in Detroit were difficult, with a 12-21-1 start, but since then, he has turned the Lions into a consistent contender. Detroit has won 28 of its last 36 regular-season games and has reached the postseason each of the past two years. The Lions fell in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, then were eliminated by the Washington Commanders last season in the divisional round.

That history only adds to the motivation for Campbell and his team as they prepare to face John Harbaugh and the Ravens. Harbaugh, now 62, has kept Baltimore among the NFL’s most reliable contenders. The Ravens have made the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2023.

This Week 3 matchup on Monday night sets up as a battle between two franchises that believe they are ready to compete for a Super Bowl with motivated and intelligent head coaches at the helm.

Detroit visits Baltimore at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday on ABC and ESPN.