(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Before Dan Campbell was hired to be the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2021, he spent the previous five seasons as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the New Orleans Saints.
During Campbell’s tenure with the Saints, Sean Payton was the head coach of the franchise.
So when Payton’s Denver Broncos meet Campbell’s Lions in Week 15, it will be a chance for the understudy to show his mentor what he was able to learn from their time together in New Orleans.
On Monday, Payton expressed his admiration for Detroit’s current head coach by describing Campbell as a “close friend” and a “fantastic coach” (via Zac Stevens on Twitter).
Sean Payton said Dan Campbell is a “close friend” and a “fantastic coach”
Campbell played and coached under Payton.
Now the two face off as head coaches this weekend.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 11, 2023
Saturday’s matchup between the Broncos and Lions should be an interesting one, as both teams are currently heading down different paths after their performances in Week 14.
Denver improved their record to 7-6 after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, and the Broncos have now won six of their last seven games.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s record dropped to 9-4 on Sunday after suffering a surprising loss to the Chicago Bears, and the Lions have now lost two of their last three matchups.
Saturday’s showdown will be taking place inside Detroit’s Ford Field, so being inside their home building should provide the Lions with an advantage.
However, Denver has proven during the last few weeks that they can win inside just about any venue as long as Payton is leading the way.
Will Campbell be able to get the best of his mentor and help the Lions cool down the Broncos’ recent run of success?
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