Brad Holmes Opens Up on Lions’ Future After Gut-Wrenching Playoff Exit

The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season was a historic one, but the way it ended left a bitter taste. After a franchise-record 15-win season, the team fell short in the playoffs, leaving players, coaches, and fans wondering what’s next. General manager Brad Holmes isn’t dwelling on the disappointment, though—he’s already focused on the next step in Detroit’s rise to greatness.

Speaking with Local 4 News, Holmes emphasized that the key to continued success isn’t just raw talent—it’s the mindset, drive, and passion of the players in the locker room.

“It’s just the intangibles,” Holmes said. “Talent is easy to find. There are plenty of big, strong guys out there. But who has the makeup, the drive, the determination, and the competitiveness that we’re looking for?”

That philosophy has been at the heart of the Lions’ transformation under Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. Together, they’ve built a culture centered on grit, resilience, and a relentless work ethic.

“That’s how we built our locker room,” Holmes explained. “That’s why this place is full of grit—because this game is hard. It takes a special kind of person to thrive in it.”

The separation between good and great players, Holmes believes, isn’t just about talent—it’s about how they respond to adversity.

“It’s about mental toughness. When things get tough, do you sink or do you rise to the occasion? That’s what separates the great players from the average ones.”

As for what’s next, Holmes isn’t backing down from the challenge of taking the Lions even further in 2025.

“Every year, it’s about getting better. We’ve done that—3-13-1 to 9-8, then to 12 wins, then 15. The next step is to keep improving.”

Holmes acknowledged that change is inevitable in the NFL, but one thing won’t change: the Lions’ identity.

“There will be new faces—that’s just the nature of the business. But as long as me and Dan are here, we’re going to stay true to who we are and what got us here.”

After a heartbreaking playoff exit, the only thing left to do is get back to work. And if the past few years are any indication, the best is still yet to come for the Detroit Lions.