The National Football League can be a ruthless environment, particularly when a team struggles to produce results. Although the Detroit Lions have shown improvement compared to past years, the team finished the 2026–27 season at the bottom of the NFC North standings and failed to qualify for the playoffs, according to ESPN research. Because of that disappointing finish, questions have surfaced about whether head coach Dan Campbell could face pressure heading into next season.

The situation isn’t entirely straightforward. Campbell has become extremely popular in Detroit and is respected across the city, not just among Lions fans. Still, if the team were to struggle again in the 2026–27 campaign, some believe his job security could come under scrutiny. The same could potentially apply to general manager Brad Holmes, who is responsible for building the roster through drafts, trades, and free-agency decisions.

With the upcoming season approaching, it’s useful to revisit what team leadership has previously said regarding Campbell, Holmes, and their standing within the organization. Those comments provide some insight into whether their positions might truly be in danger.

After the Lions wrapped up their season in January at the bottom of the division—just a year removed from finishing first—team owner Sheila Ford Hamp addressed season-ticket holders. In her message, she acknowledged that the team’s performance on the field fell short of expectations and admitted the outcome was unacceptable.

However, Hamp also emphasized that she did not believe sweeping changes were necessary at that moment. Instead, she suggested the situation should serve as a chance for the organization to regroup, adjust, and continue moving forward. Her comments signaled continued support for both Campbell and Holmes.

While expressing pride in the progress made during the previous three seasons under their leadership, Hamp also made it clear that past achievements alone will not guarantee success in the future. She stressed that everyone within the organization must continue improving in pursuit of the franchise’s ultimate goal: delivering a championship to Detroit.

During his end-of-season press conference in January, Holmes echoed a similar mindset. He explained that the organization planned to carefully evaluate its current position and acknowledged that there were areas where he personally could improve as the team’s general manager.

Hamp’s confidence in Campbell and Holmes is not new. In a 2022 interview with Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers, she spoke positively about the direction of the franchise and the leadership of both men. At that time, the Lions were in the middle of a major rebuild, and Hamp admitted that remaining committed to a long-term plan can be difficult. Still, she believed patience was necessary for sustainable success.

She also made it clear that she did not intend to interfere with their responsibilities. Hamp explained that while she values staying informed and understanding their vision, she prefers to allow them the freedom to carry out their roles without ownership stepping in.

Over the years, her public support has remained steady, indicating a strong level of trust in the team’s leadership. Nevertheless, in professional sports, results often determine job security. If the Lions were to endure another disappointing season in 2026–27, the confidence currently shown by ownership could eventually begin to waver.