Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes are facing growing scrutiny following the team’s crushing loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day, a defeat that officially knocked Detroit out of the playoff race. With Jared Goff and company watching the postseason from home, the organization appears headed toward a pivotal offseason filled with tough decisions.
Speaking after the loss, Campbell did not shy away from the broader implications of the defeat, acknowledging that significant evaluations lie ahead. The usually defiant coach struck a reflective tone as he addressed the disappointment of missing the playoffs.
“Yeah, I’m going to be looking at a lot. I do not like being home for the playoffs, and I know our guys don’t either,” Campbell said. “Whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody’s involved, including myself. I’m always going to look at myself first.”
Campbell emphasized that self-evaluation is unavoidable, especially after a season-ending loss. He admitted he wished he had given quarterback Jared Goff and the rest of the roster more, adding that improvement must be a constant pursuit regardless of wins or losses.
“Brad and I will have a lot of decisions to make,” Campbell added. “A lot of things to look at—the whats, the whys, the how do we improve—because we need to improve.”
Despite the mounting pressure, a coaching or front-office shakeup is not considered imminent. Campbell and Holmes were widely praised for building a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2023, but the promise of that breakthrough season has faded quickly. The 2024 and 2025 campaigns have fallen well short of expectations, raising questions about the team’s direction.
Roster turnover has played a role in Detroit’s decline. The loss of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler and the retirement of cornerstone center Frank Ragnow left a significant void along the offensive line, contributing to inconsistency around Goff. Addressing those gaps will be a major priority as the Lions look ahead to 2026.
Ultimately, the coming months may define the future of Detroit’s leadership. While Campbell remains publicly confident, the 2026 preseason and early regular-season results could prove decisive for both him and Holmes.
“Every team’s different every year,” Campbell said to close his press conference. “Even if you have the core you believe in, it’s always a new team. It’s disappointing, but it is what it is.”
