According to reports, the Lions did not extend a formal contract offer to Matt Campbell.

Less than two days after rumors circulated that the Detroit Lions had presented Iowa State coach Matt Campbell with an eight-year, $68.5 million contract offer, Dave Birkett of the Free Press has disclosed that no formal offer was ever extended.

Birkett reported, “A Lions source familiar with the team’s search process stated on Friday that no formal offer was extended to Campbell, and that the Lions ultimately secured their top choice: Former New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell.”

While the Lions did express genuine interest in Matt Campbell, they were one of only two teams, along with the New York Jets, reported to have conducted interviews with him during the 2021 hiring process. However, Birkett’s source confirmed that “the Lions’ discussions with (Matt) Campbell did not progress beyond the initial interview.”

Doubts surrounding the validity of Dennis Dodd’s original report prompted skepticism, especially considering the manner in which it was delivered, the absence of a first report from CBS Sports, and the lack of NFL connections in the source of the information. These factors raised concerns about its credibility, as highlighted in Thursday morning’s Open Thread.

The poll conducted at the end of the article further reflected the skepticism among readers, with an overwhelming 86 percent expressing disbelief in the report that the Lions had offered Matt Campbell an eight-year contract.

Birkett’s report serves as the closest insight into the Lions organization’s stance on the matter, and given his reputable track record as a reporter, it is likely to put the rumor to rest.