Information sourced from: Dan Campbell Presser - 6.16.26
Dan Campbell met with the media today ahead of day one of Mandatory Minicamp. While not a lot changed, listening to this press conference I think we saw a little more of the jovial and open coach Campbell that we have seen in previous years. Was he completely off the rails, and threatening to eat kneecaps? No, I think we’re past that. It was a different type of jovial though, more measured and approached. Let’s dig right in to the quick hits on what he had to say
On Players Being Held Out
Coach Campbell stated the “norms” would be held out, so it’s safe to assume Kirby, Branch, and LaPorta (somewhat). He did go on to state that LaPorta would be walking through but not at full speed.
On LaPorta’s Readiness for Training Camp
Coach Campbell stated “We like where he’s going, he’s trending the right way”. So it’s safe to assume no setbacks, and the Lions offense will likely have their top Tight End back in the fold for training camp.
On Rakestraw and Ya-Sin’s Illness
Coach Campbell stated both will be back and working for minicamp.
On Ben Bartch and the Offensive Line
Coach Campbell stated Ben Barch will be back for training camp.
Later on, Coach Campbell spoke at length about the battle at left guard:
“Listen, it’s open. Mahogany is very much in that. He played a couple of games for us in ‘24. Started for us until he had the injury, came back and started again. So we know he’s got ability, he’s got potential. [But] there’s a reason why we brought in Bartch, there’s a reason why Frazier is here, there’s a reason why all those guys are in there, we may try Manu a little bit. We’re gonna let this thing go and see what happens. And it will be good, it will be good for all of them. When you have someone nipping at your heels you’re constantly having to compete with and push, and you guys are all competing for the same thing, it’s good for everybody. Yeah he’s in the running. We expect him to compete, we expect him to put his best foot forward and play some of his best football.”
On the Competition Ramping Up
Coach Campbell didn’t depart from his stance that the real work comes when they get to training camp: “The competition has been good, it’s been good, you see what it’s going to be, what it can become going into training camp, it becomes live, real bullets are flying. That fires us up”
On Dan Jackson and Colby Sorsdahl
Coach Campbell didn’t offer ringing endorsements of either Jackson or Sorsdahl, but he didn’t put them down either. He did mention how Jackson stayed around and stayed in the playbook when he was injured, and how this would be his first real chance at real reps. He stated “our eyes are open” and that “He’s got to start playing now”
Specifically on Sorsdahl:
“He’s the same. He’s with the rest of those guys. Listen, our eyes are open. Every year whether it’s free agency or draft or any of these you’re acquiring competition. That’s really what you’re doing. And then obviously the more you invest in somebody, you feel like that’s probably the guy that’s going to take that spot. But that’s not a guarantee…”
On Personal Burnout
I have burned out, and I loved this question along the mental health and personal care vein. Coaching has to be one of the most demanding careers I have heard of. Coach Campbell opened up a bit on it:
“I try to be mindful of that, I try to get the work done but also be as smart as I can in the offseason. I feel like every year you’re a little more in tune with that and yourself. I’m not perfect about it. This job is consuming, but I love it, we love it. I’m sure most coaches will tell you that. It’s addictive, it’s consuming, that’s where you gotta be careful. I’ll have a chance to step away for a minute and you know, be ready to go”
He also was asked about a retreat the coaching staff took to Petosky, and while he didn’t provide many details, it sounds as though it was a welcome respite.
On Isaac TeSlaa
Coach Campbell perked up a bit when asked about how it seemed as though they tried to use TeSlaa more when Campbell took over play calling last year. He stated they simply wanted to get him going, just like Jamo, Saint, and Gibbs (paraphrasing). He did say they felt like there was “a lot more meat on the bone”. He stated furthermore that TeSlaa was not the issue last year, and that he is “steady” and “feels like a veteran now”.
We may want to keep an eye on this. It really sounded like TeSlaa may have even more chances coming his way in the Lions offense that already has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to pass catchers.
On Sione Vaki
Coach Campbell stated Vaki was “pound for pound he’s one of our best athletes”. But he says the running back side is raw. And a lot of that is injury. “He’s another guy, our eyes are open” If he helps them to move the ball, they will get him on the field.
Wrapping Up
The “eyes are open” quote was used a lot by Campbell today. This should be no surprise. It certainly sounds like it doesn’t matter who you are or what your draft stock is. If you show the ability, they will put you on the field. This is exactly what the Lions should be doing, not worrying about sunk costs, and worrying about results.
All in all not a ton to unpack, but in the middle of June, I think we will all take whatever football news we can get.
The reality, whatever it ends up being, will set in on September 13th at game time. What happens in the next 3 months is pointless as things will happen both positive and negative and the hype machine will be rolling non-stop. Nothing matters until game one kick-off when the Lions either do or don't...for the following 23 weeks or so.