The Detroit Lions are roaring with pride as head coach Dan Campbell was rated an A+ by the NFL Players Association. In a report that may raise eyebrows, the Lions' skipper was listed as one of only three head coaches to achieve the top mark. Campbell's rating puts him as the third highest-ranked head coach across the league, with players praising his listening skills and leadership in the locker room.
Under Campbell's tutelage, the Lions clawed their way to a first playoff victory in over three decades during the 2023 season, before bowing out to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship, as per CBS News Detroit. The head coach's popularity is further evidenced by his third-place finish in NFL Coach of the Year voting, trailing behind Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns and DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans, as noted in Detroit Free Press.
But it's not just the head coach basking in the limelight. The Lions' strength coaches snagged an A- grade while the weight room maintained a solid standing, reported Sports Illustrated. In addition to these fitness-focused accolades, the team saw a spike in commendation for their training room, rising from a dismal D+ in 2023 to a respectable B this year.
Yet, it wasn't all a field of green for the Detroit franchise. The team's weakest areas were the food/cafeteria and nutritionist services, with the former only managing to scrape together a C grade. According to survey details released, 67% of players felt they had an individualized nutrition plan, but many expressed a hunger for more varied food options. The team did, however, advance their ratings in overall food service and nutrition, a sign that perhaps the Lions' management is beginning to taste what it takes to satisfy their players' appetites, according to feedback collated by NFLPA.
While the report card brought some cheer, especially with owner Sheila Hamp scoring an 8.1 out of 10 for her commitment to facility investments, she was ranked 21st among league owners, earning a B- grade in the process. This rating was highlighted by Sports Illustrated, pointing out that ownership and head coaching were pivotal components in the weightage of NFLPA's ranking assessment.
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