Inside the Detroit Lions’ Coaching Philosophy

There's something different about the Detroit Lions this season, and it's in a good way. For the first time in many years, there's a respect for the Lions that just hasn't been there. So, let's go inside the Detroit Lions' coaching philosophy to see what has helped make this turnaround.

"None of us are as smart as all of us." It's a good quote. That quote came from assistant head coach and RB coach Scottie Montgomery during a recent practice session, via USA Today. What's more, a big part of the Detroit Lions' coaching philosophy is built on the idea that you can't rely on one person. You have to rely on a large team of players and coaching staff. I think our quarterback Jared Goff is a shining example of that. He's a star, but he doesn't act like it. He acts like a team player, and he acts like he's at the same level as everyone else.

Montgomery gave more insight into the Lion's coaching philosophy, stating of head coach Dan Campbell (also via USA Today), "He's put me in front of the team on several occasions now. He gives me different abilities to not only interject things that I've learned before, from a schematical standpoint but also some leadership capabilities. We're trying to grow the team." It's no wonder Campbell thinks they can win a Super Bowl.

It's great to see that Campbell trusts his coaching staff enough to let them take the spotlight and do what they think needs to be done. Moreover, we're just a few weeks away from the official start of the NFL regular season. I'm ready with a new season of my sports podcast. Subscribe to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" wherever you listen to podcasts. Reach out to me with your NFL insights here, and I'd love to include your thoughts on my show. Go Lions.

Dan Campbell is a likeable dude. He is also always saying something that make you either feel good or go, "Heh? What the heck?" I mean that in the best possible way.

I've put together a list of 10 totally hilarious things Dan Campbell has said during his few years with the Detroit Lions so far. Some of these have me scratching my head, while others just have me rolling in laughter. Dan, we love you! I hope for more great quotes this season.

Listen to the latest episode of "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below for some hot takes on the NFL Draft and what it means to the Detroit Lions. Reach out to me and give me your take on the Detroit Lions on social media here. Go Lions!

This quote he said back before the Lions' open practice at Ford field in 2022. "We are fricking starving … so the hyenas better get out of the way." Via Dave Birkett.

Dan Campbell wanted a "pet lion" at practice. OMgosh.

Appearing on the "Pardon My Take" Podcast, Campbell said he asked for a pet lion at practice.

"I'll tell you what I would really love to do, just in general," he said. "I've talked to (Lions owner) Sheila (Ford Hamp) about this. I don't think we're going to be able to do it, but I would love to literally just have a pet lion. Just a legit pet lion on a chain — a big-a** chain. And he just, he really is my pet. We just walk around the building, we go out to practice, we're in 7-on-7, we're behind the kicker when he's kicking. We're just … there we are."

I'm all for a good analogy. But this one is a bit much for me. But, hey, I'm not a football player. Talk the talk, and walk the walk, right? Here's Dan Campbell's toilet paper pep talk. The quote is from July 2, 2021, talking about practice in a press conference via Michael Silver.

"I told them, honestly, Day 1, I said, 'Look, I'm not carrying your toilet paper around. I'm not gonna wipe your butt. You're gonna wipe your own butt. You handle it and I'll treat you like men until you prove otherwise."

Who doesn't remember the praying mantis comment? Dan Campbell said regarding Josh Reynolds, "He’s slippery man. I call him the praying mantis. He’s the spider of death. There’s something about him. Fricking serpent." This is via Dave Birkett.

I don't get this quote at all. But, hey, it's working, so keep these quotes coming, Dan!

"We'll tread water as long as it takes to f***ing bury you." This was said in August 2022 via Tyler Dunne.

Here's another one I don't get. It's from "Hard Knocks" in 2022. "It doesn't matter if you have one a**-cheek and three toes, I will beat your a**." Okay.

"I swear to God, I'm not a lunatic." This was another quote from "Hard Knocks." Dan, honestly, anyone who is going to head up the Detroit Lions and shoot for the Super Bowl has got to be a lunatic- the best kind. It's okay. Embrace it.

Here's another quote from "Hard Knocks." Campbell says, "There is no light at the end of the tunnel. There is no light. There's a song Metallica has, 'No Leaf Clover,' and it says, 'Man, when it comes to the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, it's just a freight train coming your way.'" I'm not crying, you are.

"You grade them off the tape, you don’t grade off somebody out here in pajamas," via The Sporting News. This is in regards to not liking the often misleading evaluations from the Scouting Combine.

This one wasn't just a quote, but imagry, too. It went viral last year. It's the moment that Dan Campbell went on "Hard Knocks" and shook out a pair of pants. "This last bit of losing has got to get outta here." Via the NFL.