Lions announce extensions for Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell and Chris Spielman

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions announced joint contract extensions for general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell Thursday morning, reworking each of their deals to go through the 2027 season.

It marks two added years to Holmes' original contract, and an additional season for Campbell, who initially inked a six-year pact with the franchise.

Following the late-season firing of former GM Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia in November 2020, Holmes joined the Lions in January, with the Campbell hire coming less than a week later. In the three years since, the pair have overseen a near-complete teardown and rebuild of Detroit's roster, which culminated in last season's trip to the NFC Championship game.

It was the Lions' deepest postseason run in more than three decades, coinciding with the team's first division title since 1993 and the first two home playoff games in Ford Field's 21-year history.

"We are thrilled to have Brad and Dan under contract for the next four seasons," Detroit Lions owner Sheila Hamp said in a statement. "They have been the driving force behind the rebuild of our football team and the success that we have enjoyed. The continuity they provide for our football program will continue to be the key to our future success on the field."

Both leaders were identified, interviewed and selected by a four-person committee within the organization consisting of Hamp, team president Rod Wood, chief operating officer Mike Disner and special assistant to ownership Chris Spielman.

The Lions talked to a dozen people for their GM vacancy before selecting Holmes. He hadn't been on the team's original list of targets, but caught the eye of Disner, who was reviewing videos put together by the league of prospective candidates. Holmes had been serving as the Los Angeles Rams college scouting director and his views on analytics and scouting wowed the group of decision makers in Detroit.

Meanwhile, Campbell, who played for the Lions from 2006-08, went out of his way to get in front of team's hiring committee as he sought his first permanent head-coaching job after an moderately successful interim stint in Miami in 2015. He had been working under Sean Payton in New Orleans the years since, both coaching the Saints tight ends and serving as Payton's assistant head coach.

Like Holmes earlier in the process, Campbell immediately established himself as the top choice during the interview process. Unlike many franchises, where one position answers to the other, the Lions intended to build an era of collaboration on the football side between its front office and coaching staff, while tearing down the figurative walls the previous regime had built around the operation to insulate itself from the rest of the organization.

Along with Campbell and Holmes, the team also announced a multi-year contract extension for Spielman, as well. Spielman, who starred as a linebacker for the Lions from 1988-95, also has been a key figure in the culture-building process across departments since his hiring.

"I could not be more proud of the work that Brad, Dan and Chris have done for our organization," Wood said in a statement. "They have selflessly worked together to build a winning culture within the Lions. I am excited to continue working with them to create the sustained success that we envision for the team, our fans, and the city of Detroit."

Choosing a general manager with a strong college scouting background has served the Lions well. Holmes has built a foundational core through draft, starting with his first selection, offensive tackle Penei Sewell. The GM also landed key pieces in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch and Jahmyr Gibbs through the draft, while Campbell's strong leadership style, and staff constructed of many former players, has helped maximize the roster Holmes has built.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers