Dan Campbell understands why many NFL coaches aren’t as aggressive on fourth down as he is.
In Week 14, the Detroit Lions successfully converted 4 out of 5 fourth-down attempts against the Green Bay Packers, with the lone miss giving the Packers a short field for a touchdown. Despite some criticism, especially regarding the final successful conversion that allowed the Lions to run out the clock, Campbell’s boldness on fourth down continues to be a defining trait of his coaching style.
Over his four seasons as head coach, Campbell has gone for it on fourth down more often than any other NFL coach. In fact, his first and third seasons (2021 and 2023) rank among the top five in NFL history for fourth-down attempts, with his second season (2022) in the top ten. This year, the Lions have attempted 22 fourth downs, converting 15, which gives them the sixth-best conversion rate in the league at 68.2%. As the Lions’ success rate has improved, Campbell’s confidence in making those calls has only grown.
Despite the positive results, Campbell has also faced criticism for his aggressive approach. Failures, such as those in last season’s NFC Championship Game, led to heavy scrutiny. When asked during a recent appearance on 97.1 The Ticket why other coaches don’t follow his lead on fourth down, Campbell explained that the potential downside is a major deterrent. “What happens when we don’t get that? That’s the obvious. Well, we’re moving to the next house,” he said, acknowledging that failing on a high-risk call can result in significant consequences, including the coach losing his job.
Ultimately, Campbell’s philosophy is rooted in his belief in his players. He feels others may not share that same level of trust or willingness to embrace risk. While he understands why other coaches may prefer a more conservative approach, he is not afraid of the fallout from a failed fourth-down attempt, and he will continue to coach with his aggressive mindset, as it aligns with his values and vision for the team.
