MINNEAPOLIS — There was no hesitation by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell.

Go for it!

He stayed true to himself. True to the spirit of this team.

The Lions were down, 21-17, late in the third quarter, facing fourth-and-1 deep in Vikings territory. The safe play would be to go for a field goal. Would he? Heck no. There was too much on the line. This moment was too big. And besides, that’s not Campbell.

Go for it!

Campbell kept his offense on the field.

Would they throw it? Sweep it wide? What?

They went old school, an old-fashioned QB sneak. It wasn’t a new-aged tush push. It was all Jared Goff behind that elite, fantastic offensive line. Goff plunged straight ahead and picked up the first down. On the next play, he hit Amon-Ra St. Brown for the touchdown. The Lions regained the lead and they would never relinquish it, as they beat the Vikings, 30-24, winning the NFC North title for the first time in franchise history.

Heck, it was their first division title in 30 years.

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Raise the banner. Hand out the vindication.

This title is a vindication for Lions owner Sheila Hamp, who should be given all kinds of credit for hiring Campbell and Brad Holmes, and then perhaps more importantly, sticking with them, when times got tough last season.

This title is a vindication for Holmes, the general manager, who has done a wonderful job bringing in talent, sometimes going against the grain, sometimes carving his own unique path, and sometimes taking heat, but always sticking to the plan. His plan. Yes, it worked.

Because there were his players — some draft picks, some free agents — flying around the field, making play after play.

There was Ifeatu Melifonwu making the play of his life, snagging a game-saving interception; and Jahmyr Gibbs, this electrical wire, scoring a couple of touchdowns; and Kerby Joseph grabbing interceptions and making huge tackles; and Sam LaPorta was keeping the chains moving, and Jameson Williams was bringing out the moves, making people miss; and Brian Branch causing havoc, forcing a fumble and snagging an interception.

And that’s the beauty of this team Holmes has put together. There are just so many dang players on this roster who contributed to this win.

This title is a vindication for Campbell — we have seen Gamblin’ Dan and Emotional Dan and Gritty Dan and Ticked Off Dan, and well, it’s time to point out the obvious. This guy can coach and lead men. It’s not easy to go on the road and win in the NFL. It’s not easy to weather all the ups and downs of a season. But he has pulled something out of this team. He’s created a culture that has lead to this moment.

This title is vindication for all these players, many of whom weren’t even born 30 years ago, the last time the Lions won the division.

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And this title is vindication for the fans, who stuck with this team, agonizing through every loss, continuing to fill up Ford Field through all the hard times. Sometimes complaining, sure. But always there. Never giving up on them, even when they said they would.

This was a title born of grit.

Full of perseverance.

Dripping with youth and poise.

There was no panic in this team after it lost at Chicago and no panic after it fell behind here in Minnesota and no panic when the Vikings drove down the field, coming within one play of winning this game.

It’s proof the plan is working.

Now, is it over?

No.

The playoffs — and more importantly — a home playoff game, await. And oh, man, Ford Field is going to be rocking.

But this is the first step. One that has been so long in the making.

This was the goal Campbell set during training camp.

Anything less than this would have been a major disappointment.

But this was the start.

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One goal down.

But nothing about this win came easy.

Everything about this game felt a little off.

The Lions blew opportunities and wasted chances — chances to make this far easier.

It was like the Lions played a game in a bizarre snow globe — a loud, ear-shattering upside-down world, where all the Vikings fans were dressed in all white, fake snow fell from the rafters, all the Lions’ explosive plays disappeared, and the noise was incredible: “Skol!”

The Lions’ 17-7 lead had disappeared.

And the Vikings had all the momentum.

But the Lions kept fighting.

Sure, the Vikings' passing attack was depleted after losing wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hocksenon to injuries.

And in the fourth quarter, as the Lions held onto a 30-24 lead, they relied on their offense to eat the clock.

Hold onto the ball and they would win.

Chew up the clock and they would win.

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And Campbell seemed to say it again: Go for it.

But the Lions were imploding.

False start. Delay of game.

And the Lions had to punt.

And yes, the Vikings marched down the field and yes, it started to look like a loss.

But there was Melifonwu, stepping up and grabbing an interception.

Securing this win, this title.

Step one complete.

History made. Goal achieved.

Well done, Lions.

Now, it's on to the next one.

Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff. To read his recent columns, go to freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dan Campbell's zero hesitation strategy leads Lions to NFC North title