The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL season with Super Bowl expectations, but the year ultimately fell well short of those lofty goals. Team owner Sheila Hamp made that clear this week, openly acknowledging the disappointment while outlining the organization’s path forward.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Detroit Lions season ticket holders, Hamp addressed the team’s struggles and reassured fans that leadership remains aligned moving into the 2026 season.

Sheila Hamp Addresses Disappointing Lions Season

Hamp began her message by thanking fans for their continued loyalty and the home-field advantage they create at Ford Field.

“Thank you for your commitment to our team and the support you show throughout the season,” Hamp wrote. “I’m always blown away by the energy you create inside Ford Field and the advantage you give our team every time we run out of the tunnel.”

She quickly turned to the reality of the season, stating plainly:

“I also want to acknowledge that our results on the field this season were not what any of us envisioned and frankly, were not good enough.”

Lions Miss Playoffs Despite Winning Record

Detroit finished the season 9–8, marking its fourth straight winning season, but still missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and finished last in the NFC North.

The year was plagued by injuries, persistent offensive line issues, and the challenge of adjusting after losing both the offensive and defensive coordinators. While there were flashes of promise, the inconsistency ultimately defined the season.

Bright Spots and Lingering Concerns

Despite the disappointment, there were notable positives:

Jack Campbell emerged as a defensive cornerstone, earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors

Aidan Hutchinson played a full 17-game season and remained a steady presence off the edge

However, ongoing concerns such as inconsistent pass rush production and a lack of aggressive roster upgrades remained unresolved.

Hamp Pushes Back on “Drastic” Changes

With questions surfacing about the futures of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, Hamp made it clear she does not believe sweeping changes are necessary.

“While we do not believe it is a time for drastic change, this is an opportunity for us to refocus, evolve, and move forward,” Hamp wrote.

She emphasized organizational alignment, noting that conversations with team president Rod Wood, Holmes, and Campbell are already underway.

“We are committed to looking at everything we do to ensure we are performing at the highest level,” she added.

Lions Hold Season Ticket Prices Steady for 2026

In a notable decision, the Lions will not raise season ticket prices for 2026. The team will have only eight home games next season, with one played overseas, reducing the total number of games at Ford Field.

This comes after significant increases in recent years:

24% in 2025

30% in 2024

4% in 2023

Looking Ahead to 2026

Hamp closed her letter with optimism, expressing excitement about the upcoming season and new experiences planned for fans.

“We are excited for what 2026 will bring and some of the new elements we will introduce for all of you, our most loyal fans.”

While the message was directed at season ticket holders, it clearly serves as a broader statement to the Lions fan base: ownership understands the frustration and recognizes that recent success does not guarantee future results.

As Hamp noted, building a Super Bowl contender “doesn’t happen by accident,” but maintaining one requires constant urgency. Whether these words translate into meaningful action remains to be seen, but expectations inside the organization remain high heading into 2026.