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Dan Campbell credits Stafford trade for Lions' turnaround

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 4:08 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Dan Campbell credits Stafford trade for Lions' turnaround

Summary

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell discussed the impact of trading Matthew Stafford during an appearance on the Coach2Coach podcast. The trade in January 2021, which sent Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and several draft picks, set the foundation for the Lions' rebuilding efforts. Campbell emphasized that this move was crucial for acquiring young talent and ultimately reshaping the franchise’s future. Since the trade, the Lions have seen improvements, reaching the postseason twice after Stafford's departure while he went on to win a Super Bowl with the Rams in his first season. Campbell reflected on the challenges faced during the first season and the significance of the players involved in the rebuilding process.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Dan Campbell details the importance of trading Matthew Stafford in 2021.
•Lions received Jared Goff and draft picks in the Stafford deal.
•Stafford's trade set the stage for Detroit's recent playoff appearances.
•Campbell notes the challenges of the initial rebuilding season.
•Stafford won a Super Bowl with the Rams shortly after the trade.

Latest Updates

4:08 AMYahoo Sports — Dan Campbell Reveals How Trading Matthew Stafford Secretly Saved the Detroit Lions

What they're saying

"
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell sat down on the Coach2Coach with Jason Garrett podcast and opened up about the trade that quietly changed everything for the franchise. Getting rid of his best player in 2021 was not easy.
— Yahoo Sports

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