The Detroit Lions have hired Dan Campbell as their new head coach, according to reports. 

Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Campbell has signed a six-year contract to take the helm of a team that just recorded a third straight losing season. 

Campbell, who had been serving as assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the New Orleans Saints, succeeds Matt Patricia - the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator fired by the Lions in November. 

His previous head coaching experience came in 2015, when he was in charge on an interim basis at the Miami Dolphins following the firing of Joe Philbin after a 1-3 start. 

Campbell went 5-7 in his 12 games in the role with the Dolphins, but will hope for greater success with a Lions team that has won 14 games over the last three years. 

One of the issues he and new general manager Brad Holmes will have to resolve is the future of quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Stafford is under contract until 2023 but the Lions could save $14million against the salary cap by moving on from the former first overall pick. 

A factor in Detroit's decision in that regard may be a lack of draft capital. 

The Lions pick seventh overall in the first round but have just four further draft picks thereafter, potentially making a trade of Stafford for additional picks appealing to Detroit. 

Regardless of what they decide to do with Stafford, Campbell will have a significant challenge on his hands to turn the Lions around after a 2020 season that saw them finish 20th in total offense and last in team defense.