NFL players have been asked in polls whose head coach, if not their own, they would most like to play for. Given the way he runs the Detroit Lions, it should come as no surprise that head coach Dan Campbell scores highly in such polls.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes discussed last Thursday’s post-training camp press conference and how much has changed since he and Campbell moved to Detroit.
According to Holmes, “It has been different,” as reported by ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “In the past— I would say for the first two years, we were trying to attract folks here by marketing and persuading all the time. However, the fact that we have taken action and achieved some positive outcomes does make you feel good.
Players will always want to play elsewhere after they win. However, having capable and reliable individuals in charge of the Lions’ organization has also had a significant impact.
NFL agents highly value Brad Holmes and the Lions.
The results of a survey Ben Standig of The Athletic (subscription required) conducted among 31 NFL agents on a variety of subjects were just made public. Of the 14 teams who cast votes to determine which team is the best-run in the league, the Lions received one vote.
Out of thirty respondents, eight teams cast votes to determine which team had the best offseason, with the Lions receiving one vote.
Holmes tied for second place with five votes for best general manager, and he received two votes for best talent evaluator. One of the respondents who thought Holmes was the finest general manager overall expressed gratitude for the way he managed the Lions’ rebirth.
“Brad Holmes. He and his team have performed excellently in all aspects of the evaluation. Real-time doubts were raised about a number of his decisions, including selecting a running back among the top-12 picks, hiring Dan Campbell as head coach, and accepting Jared Goff’s deal as part of the Matthew Stafford trade. Holmes persisted in his efforts despite the criticism.
This is another evidence that Holmes and Campbell are doing a great job leading the Lions. Agents have a distinct pulse on things in the league, as Standig mentioned at the top of his post; with that in mind, it is appropriate to note their strong regard for the Lions.
