Aidan Hutchinson says Dan Campbell made bold vow after playoff exit: 'We're going to the Super Bowl next year'
The Lions advanced to the NFC championship game, where they lost to the 49ers. But coach Dan Campbell quickly sent a message about the future.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is known as one of the most passionate coaches in the NFL. His leadership has helped turn the Lions around.
The team advanced to the franchise's second NFC championship game last month.
Despite entering the locker room at halftime with a 24-7 lead over the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit lost by three points. But Lions Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson revealed that Campbell shared a bold prediction with the team shortly after the loss.
"In our exit meetings the day after, he’s like, ‘We’re going to the Super Bowl next year. Screw it. I don’t care what it takes,'" Hutchinson said during an interview with NBC Sports at Super Bowl LVIII's radio row in Las Vegas.
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The Lions retained both their coordinators, which should help Detroit in its quest for a championship next season. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn interviewed with other teams for head coaching positions, but both assistants will remain with the Lions.
Johnshon recently finished his second season as the team's offensive coordinator. The 37-year-old was the architect of one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2023. The Lions have averaged the fourth most points per game in the league since Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022.
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He served as the team's pass game coordinator in 2021. Detroit's 387.4 yards per game were the best in the league.
Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta thrived in their first season in Johnson's offense. Both players received Rookie of the Year consideration. Johnson successfully deployed creative plays throughout the season, and four Lions players finished the year with 500 or more yards from scrimmage.
Lions general manger Brad Holmes will be in charge of making tweaks to get the 2024 roster as close to Super Bowl ready as possible. If the Lions fulfill Campbell's promise, it would mark the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
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