The Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2024 season on Sunday, January 4, with a narrow 19–16 road victory over the Chicago Bears. Although the win closed the year on a positive note, the Lions finished 9–8 and fell short of the postseason. Since then, head coach Dan Campbell and the front office have shifted their focus toward staff changes and preparing for the future.
Still, that hasn’t stopped Campbell from enjoying some time away from the football field. Over the weekend, he and his wife, Holly, made an unexpected public appearance that caught plenty of attention across mid-Michigan.
Speaking to reporters after the season finale, Campbell reflected on the disappointment of missing the playoffs while maintaining an optimistic outlook.
“I really believe everything happens for a reason — whether it feels good or bad at the time,” Campbell said. “Now it’s on Brad Holmes and me to make sure we turn this into something positive with the players we’re building around.”
Campbell admitted the end of the season left a sour taste.
“It hurts,” he said. “Watching the playoffs from home while everyone else is still playing — that’s frustrating. But that frustration becomes motivation. We don’t want to be in this position again. Our goal is to be in the postseason next year, no question.”
On Friday, January 30, Campbell was spotted far from Ford Field when Michigan State hosted Michigan at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Despite the Spartans’ 83–71 loss, Campbell’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. When he and his wife entered the arena, they were greeted with a loud ovation from the crowd.
Interestingly, the Campbells made their allegiance clear by wearing Michigan State gear, a choice that likely didn’t sit well with Wolverines fans. Campbell was also seen exchanging greetings with Michigan State’s new football head coach, Pat Fitzgerald.
Campbell’s connection to the Spartans reportedly comes through family ties, as his daughter is said to be a student at Michigan State.
Dan Campbell Reflects on the Lions’ Season Finale
Campbell credited the Lions’ performance against Chicago to strong teamwork across all units.
“When we needed it most, offense, defense, and special teams all delivered,” he explained. “We controlled possession with long drives, and whenever something went wrong on offense, the defense answered with a big stop or takeaway. And if we gave up points, the offense responded right away.”
According to Campbell, that level of coordination is a hallmark of successful teams.
“That’s how winning teams operate,” he said. “We haven’t consistently played that way lately, but we saw it again. It’s been a few weeks.”
