Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t mince words following his team’s crushing 29–24 Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a defeat that has put Detroit’s NFL playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.

With the Lions now fighting to stay alive in the 2025 NFL playoff race, Campbell stressed urgency and accountability during his Monday press conference. According to ESPN reporter Erick Woodyard, Campbell’s message to the team was simple and direct.

“#Lions HC Dan Campbell said his message to the team today was to ‘move forward,’” Woodyard posted on social media.

Campbell, now in his fifth season as Lions head coach, previously guided Detroit to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. However, this season has been far more challenging, with injuries and close losses piling up as the Lions sit on the edge of postseason elimination.

Despite the frustration surrounding Sunday’s loss, Campbell emphasized preparation, recovery, and mental toughness with a quick turnaround ahead.

“We’ve got three days here of practice for these guys to get the mental work, to recover, make sure they get rest when they leave here and get back to work,” Campbell said.
“Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us, nobody cares. We’ve got a game plan ready, and they’ve got to digest it as fast as they can and be ready to go — emotionally, psychologically, and physically by the time Thursday hits.”

With the Lions’ season hanging in the balance, Campbell’s message was clear: forget the disappointment, focus on the next game, and respond with urgency as Detroit fights to keep its playoff hopes alive.