Lions' Dan Campbell willing to 'help' alma mater Texas A&M, not coach

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th November, 12:13 2023

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell on the field during warmups before action against the Las Vegas Raiders at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. credits: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions head coach Dan Campbell is willing to help his alma mater, but he doesn't sound ready to leave his job in Detroit to return to Texas A&M.

Asked Friday if he has heard from anyone at Texas A&M about the coaching job since the Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher, Campbell replied, "Um, maybe."

"But that's all good. Certainly I know some people there and I love my school. That's my alma mater and I want to do anything I can to help them but coach for them."

Campbell grew up two hours from College Station in Clifton, Texas, and played tight end at Texas A&M from 1995-98.

He said he'll share his thoughts and contacts with officials looking for Fisher's replacement, but insists he's not the guy for that job.

"Certainly, the hire is important and it needs to be somebody who understands the state of Texas, understands the history of Texas A&M and can communicate with young people and develop them," Campbell said. "That's where it starts, and strong leadership."

Campbell's Lions (7-2) lead the NFC North division by 1 1/2 games over the Minnesota Vikings and trail only the Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) in the NFC chase for homefield advantage in the postseason.

Campbell, 47, is in his third season as head coach of the Lions and has a record of 19-23-1 with Detroit. He signed a six-year contract when he took the job in January 2021.

—Field Level Media