Just a few years ago, the Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell were viewed as one of the fastest-rising teams in the NFL. Detroit not only looked like an emerging contender but also a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
During the 2024 season, the Lions were widely considered the best team in the league throughout the regular season. However, their playoff hopes collapsed after a postseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Even with that disappointment, the organization still appeared to have a bright future.
Things changed during the 2025 campaign. Detroit struggled throughout the season and ultimately missed the playoffs, placing added pressure on the team heading into 2026.
Now, expectations are high for the Lions to bounce back. Another disappointing year similar to 2025 could force the franchise to evaluate its leadership and potentially consider major changes.
Dan Campbell Named Among NFL Coaches on the Hot Seat
According to analyst James Dator of SB Nation, Campbell could enter the season with his job security under scrutiny. Dator suggested that another poor performance from Detroit might put the head coach firmly on the hot seat.
Dator noted that the Lions’ regression in 2025 — including declines on both offense and defense — raised questions about whether Detroit may have lost momentum after parting ways with key coordinators.
He also pointed out that the Lions cannot afford another step backward, particularly while division rivals continue to improve.
Impact of Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears
One major storyline from 2025 was the rise of the Chicago Bears under head coach Ben Johnson, Detroit’s former offensive coordinator. The Bears went on to win the National Football League’s NFC North division, highlighting how valuable Johnson had been to the Lions’ offensive success.
Detroit’s struggles after losing both its offensive and defensive coordinators have fueled speculation that their departures played a significant role in the team’s decline.
What Dan Campbell Has Achieved With the Detroit Lions
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Campbell has compiled a 48-36-1 record and led Detroit to two playoff appearances in five seasons.
While those numbers may not rank among the NFL’s elite, Campbell has been widely credited with transforming the culture of the Lions franchise. He helped rebuild a team that had struggled with inconsistency and mediocrity for many years, bringing renewed confidence and competitiveness to the organization.
Still, expectations in Detroit have risen. If the Lions fail to make a deep playoff run in 2026, the franchise could begin exploring other options for leadership.
For now, Campbell is not officially coaching for his job. However, if the team fails to rebound this season, discussions about his long-term future with the Lions could quickly intensify.
