Watching the Super Bowl is always less exciting when your own team isn’t part of it. For the Detroit Lions, that feeling is all too familiar, as the franchise has yet to make an appearance in the championship game. After Super Bowl LX concluded — with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday, February 8 — Detroit made its presence known in a subtle way.

The Lions wrapped up their 2025–26 campaign on January 4 with a narrow 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears on the road. Although finishing with a win provided a small boost, the overall season left much to be desired. Detroit ended at the bottom of the NFC North standings.

According to ESPN data, the team finished 9-8 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. That outcome stood in stark contrast to the previous season, when the Lions topped both the NFC North and the entire conference. The turnaround from one year to the next was dramatic.

Following the win against Chicago, head coach Dan Campbell reflected on the season’s conclusion. He shared his belief that circumstances unfold for a reason, regardless of how they initially appear. Campbell emphasized that it is up to him and general manager Brad Holmes to ensure that setbacks ultimately serve the organization’s long-term benefit. While acknowledging the satisfaction of ending the season on a positive note, he was candid about the broader disappointment.

After the Super Bowl ended, Detroit’s official X account shared a message by reposting content from the NFL’s page. The league’s post highlighted the idea that “Belief is a superpower” and expressed appreciation for NFL coaches. The Lions’ decision to amplify that message suggested a forward-looking mindset.

Heading into the 2026–27 season, optimism will need to translate into results. Detroit recently hired Drew Petzing as its new offensive coordinator in January 2026. Petzing arrives after three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, including a difficult 3-14 campaign in 2025–26, according to league research.

Despite recent challenges, Campbell remains confident in his team’s direction. Speaking to reporters after the Bears game, he noted that when the Lions needed strong performances, all three phases — offense, defense, and special teams — delivered in sync. He pointed out that the team managed lengthy drives and controlled possession, even if that wasn’t the primary objective.

Campbell also highlighted the resilience his squad displayed. When the offense faltered, the defense stepped up with key stops or turnovers. And after allowing points, the offense responded with timely scoring drives. He described that type of complementary play as characteristic of successful teams — something he believes Detroit is working to reestablish after several inconsistent weeks.