The coaching star of HBO’s "Hard Knocks" this season was supposed to be Detroit Lions head man Dan Campbell, he of both the equally oversized frame and personality. The gravelly voice. The unpredictable twists in his speeches. The willingness to do up-downs with the players.
The guy is, unquestionably, a unique force of personality that producers must have hoped would somehow make a three-win team for a franchise with one playoff victory in 65 seasons worth watching.
And Campbell has delivered his part as Must-See TV.
Yet the coaching figures who are producing the most compelling storylines come from Campbell’s staff of assistants.