Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat anything after his team’s frustrating loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Instead of deflecting blame or pointing at players, Campbell looked straight into the mirror — and took full responsibility.
“That’s on me,” Campbell said in his postgame press conference, acknowledging that a few key decisions down the stretch hurt the Lions’ chances of pulling out a win. From missed opportunities on offense to lapses in defensive communication, the Lions couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most, and Campbell made it clear he’s holding himself accountable.
The loss was particularly painful given Detroit’s recent momentum. Mistakes on both sides of the ball stalled drives and allowed the Vikings — led by rookie QB J.J. McCarthy — to take control late in the game.
Still, Campbell’s response speaks volumes about his leadership. Rather than calling out his players, he accepted the blame and promised to make the necessary adjustments moving forward. “We’ll clean it up, and we’ll be better next week,” he said.
For Lions fans, it’s another reminder of why Campbell has earned so much respect in Detroit. The loss may sting, but the accountability coming from the top sends a strong message — this team isn’t done fighting.
