Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been honored as the NFC Coach of the Year for the 2023 season by the prestigious “101 Awards.” This accolade is particularly significant as it is bestowed by a panel of 101 esteemed members of football media who regularly cover the sport. It is distinct from the Associated Press Coach of the Year award presented during the NFL Honors ceremony before the Super Bowl.
In the remarkable 2023 season, Campbell led the Lions to break numerous franchise records. With a total of 14 wins, including the playoffs, the Lions achieved their highest win count in franchise history. Notably, the team secured more playoff victories (two) this season than they had since their last championship triumph in 1957 (one).
Under Campbell’s guidance, the Lions clinched their first divisional title since 1993, hosted their initial playoff home game since that time, and emerged victorious in their first postseason game since 1991.
Campbell’s exceptional leadership has garnered praise from his players throughout the season. Recently, both center Frank Ragnow and quarterback Jared Goff expressed their admiration for Campbell’s outstanding leadership qualities. Goff, after the Lions’ divisional round triumph over the Buccaneers, emphasized, “Dan’s the greatest leader I’ve been around and has cultivated this culture we have and our belief in each other pretty significantly.”
This recognition places Campbell in esteemed company as only the second Lions coach to receive the “101 Awards” Coach of the Year honor. He follows in the footsteps of Wayne Fontes, who claimed the award in 1991, a noteworthy parallel to the last time the Lions reached the NFC Championship game.