Just one season after clinching the NFC’s top playoff spot in the final week, Detroit has fallen all the way out of postseason contention before Week 18 even arrives. Head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t shy away from how disappointing that reality is, but he believes the setback isn’t as severe as it seems.

Campbell explained that this down year could ultimately serve as fuel, pushing the team to reestablish itself as a true title contender. He described the current situation as the lowest point relative to where the Lions had been, saying that sometimes a team has to bottom out before it can climb again. Despite the optics, he stressed that the gap between where the Lions are now and where they want to be isn’t enormous—just a matter of correcting a few key issues.

He also emphasized accountability across the organization, noting that coaches are evaluated just as closely as players during tough stretches. According to Campbell, how the staff responds to adversity is just as important as what happens on the field.

Campbell added that disappointment can be a powerful motivator. If that’s the case, the Lions should enter the 2026 season with plenty of drive after falling short of every major objective in 2025.