Report: Lions offered Iowa State's Campbell 8-year, $68.5M deal to be head coach

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Matt Campbell of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates with the Fiesta Bowl trophy following the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Oregon Ducks at State Farm Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cyclones defeated the Ducks 34-17.
Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It appears the Detroit Lions once had another Campbell in mind for their head coaching position in 2021.

Before officially hiring Dan Campbell, Detroit offered Iowa State boss Matt Campbell an eight-year deal worth $68.5 million to leave the college ranks, according to CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd.

"(Campbell) sees his upward arch better at Iowa State," Dodd said.

The Lions ultimately landed on the former New Orleans Saints assistant in January, a move that was viewed as a surprise around the league.

Campbell has been one of college football's most promising coaches over the last few years. He's a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and led the Cyclones to their most successful campaign in school history this past season.

The 41-year-old had received interest from a number of NFL teams over the last three offseasons before signing the eight-year extension this past February.

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