Dan Campbell is not going anywhere for now, even after the Detroit Lions’ postseason hopes were officially dashed by a loss to division rival Minnesota.
Detroit fell to 8–8 in the 2025 season after a 23–10 defeat on the road against the Vikings, a game that eliminated them from playoff contention. Minnesota started rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, making the loss even more frustrating for Lions fans. Despite Brosmer throwing for only 51 yards, Detroit was unable to capitalize.
The Lions’ collapse was part of a surprising late-season shakeup across the NFL, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs already eliminated and the Baltimore Ravens close to the same fate.
For Detroit, the disappointment has put Campbell under the microscope after a season that failed to live up to expectations.
Campbell, who previously helped transform the Lions from perennial underachievers into legitimate contenders, has taken heat for questionable decisions—especially on offense.
Jared Goff and the offense struggled badly, committing six turnovers and unraveling late in the game. Both sides of the ball showed breakdowns, particularly in the fourth quarter when the game was still within reach.
Fan frustration spilled over on social media, with some calling for Campbell’s dismissal. Others criticized his recent stretch since assuming more control over play-calling duties, pointing out the team’s struggles compared to earlier success.
Is Campbell Losing His Job?
At this point, no. Campbell is expected to finish out the season, and Detroit’s front office has not announced any plans to move on from him. Given his past success and the culture he’s helped establish, he still has goodwill within the organization.
The Lions have one remaining game, a matchup against division-leading Chicago in early January. Making a coaching change before the season concludes would be highly unlikely. Instead, the offseason will give Detroit time to evaluate whether Campbell remains the right person to lead a potential rebound.
Despite the disappointing year, the roster still features considerable talent. With roster adjustments and a strong draft, the Lions could be positioned to bounce back in 2026—possibly with Campbell still in charge.
Campbell’s Response
Campbell has been candid about his disappointment with missing the playoffs. He acknowledged that falling short is unacceptable and emphasized accountability across the entire organization, starting with himself.
He also indicated that major evaluations are coming during the offseason. Working closely with general manager Brad Holmes, Campbell said the team will examine every aspect of the operation to determine how to improve and avoid a repeat of this season’s regression.
