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Sheila Hamp, according to Dan Campbell, is “unique.” Lions’ success is a result of her vision.
However, his intangible characteristics of leadership and toughness have shined over the past two seasons. He has molded the Lions from a league afterthought to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
As a result, he has made the decision to hire him by principal owner Sheila Hamp look to be a genius stroke. The partnership between the two parties has been one that is mutually beneficial and has paid dividends.
Detroit’s success has been unique in that, by all accounts, all of the decision makers are on the same page. This has created a sense of compatibility that has allowed the team to flourish.
Now, with the team one win away from its first Super Bowl appearance ever, Campbell shared his feelings about the team’s owner maintaining a unyielding belief in he and his coaching staff.
“It means a lot, I always wanted to do that. I always wanted to prove right,” Campbell said. “That’s not an easy thing to do, to take a chance on somebody that nobody knows about or thinks deserves a shot or whatever it is. And so to trust your instincts and trust people around you and pull the trigger, it means a lot. It sure does. But once you know here, once you know her, it doesn’t surprise me one bit. She’s one of one, she’s unique.”
The success that the team has had this season is a direct by-product of Hamp sharing the same vision as both Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
There is a true collaboration between all three, as they have combined to assemble a roster full of cultural fits and talented players.
Additionally, Hamp has not put any restrictions or requirements on Campbell. The coach has gained national popularity for his various viral moments, but has also proven to be among the game’s best motivators.
The third-year coach shared his appreciation for Hamp’s approach and credited her for the foundation of the team’s quick rebuild.
“And I’ll say this, everything that we are and what we’re about has started with her. It’s really her, it’s her vision,” Campbell explained. “Like I’m fortunate that she allows me to be myself. I don’t feel like I have to be somebody I’m not. You can’t always do that. And so with that, I can coach. I can do what I need to do and I appreciate that. She took a chance on me and, yeah, it feels good to prove her right, but we’re not done yet either.”