With the NFC North widely viewed as one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, the pressure is mounting on the Detroit Lions to take a step forward.

Following a last-place finish in the division and a missed playoff berth, sixth-year head coach Dan Campbell is determined to steer the franchise back in the right direction. Expectations for the 2026 season remain high, but the team enters the year with more questions to answer after a disappointing campaign.

The division’s competitiveness only adds to the urgency. Every NFC North team finished the season with a winning record, meaning there is little margin for error. Interestingly, the two teams that finished at the top of the division in 2024—the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings—ended up at the bottom of the standings in 2025.

Because of that dramatic shift, conversations have emerged about which coaches may face the most pressure moving forward. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, both Campbell and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell could begin to feel scrutiny if their teams struggle again.

Florio suggested that failing to reach the playoffs this season could make the following year complicated for either coach, especially if the results are particularly poor. In the NFL, even respected coaches can quickly find their job security questioned if a team experiences a disastrous season.

Despite the recent disappointment, Campbell has earned a great deal of credibility during his time in Detroit. Under his leadership, the franchise ended a three-decade drought without a division championship and captured back-to-back NFC North titles. Ownership continues to support him, and he remains well-liked by the fan base.

Still, the team has had some missed opportunities. During the 2023 postseason, the Lions blew a 17-point halftime lead in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. The following year brought another painful setback when Detroit, the No. 1 seed, was eliminated at home in the divisional round by the Washington Commanders.

Florio views that playoff loss as a pivotal moment for the franchise. The defeat appeared to halt the team’s momentum, and Detroit now faces the challenge of rebuilding the confidence and success it previously enjoyed.

However, there are reasons for optimism. Because the Lions finished last in the division, they will face a schedule that includes more teams that also finished near the bottom of their divisions, potentially providing a more favorable path.

Campbell recently spoke during the league’s annual meetings about his desire to restore the intensity and edge that defined the Lions during their most successful stretch. He believes that if the team recaptures that mindset, they can return to a high level of performance.

Even with the disappointment of last season, Campbell’s overall track record still carries significant weight. But the NFL is a results-driven league, and momentum can shift quickly. If Detroit fails to rebound and contend for a playoff spot, questions about the coach’s long-term future could begin to surface.

Several factors contributed to the team’s struggles last year, including key injuries and inconsistent play late in the season, making it difficult to place the blame solely on Campbell.

For now, his position appears secure. Still, if the Lions cannot reestablish themselves as postseason contenders, the conversation surrounding his job security could intensify as the 2027 season approaches.