By Sunday 
The 2025 NFL season didn’t end with fireworks for the Detroit Lions—it ended with reflection, frustration, and a level of honesty that’s become a trademark of head coach Dan Campbell. Sunday night’s win over the rival Chicago Bears may have pushed Detroit to a 9–8 record, but it did nothing to erase the sting of missing the playoffs. And Campbell wasn’t about to dress it up as anything else.
A Winning Record, But a Losing Feeling
On paper, 9–8 doesn’t look like a disaster. In reality, it felt hollow. Detroit’s postseason fate had already been sealed on Christmas Day with a devastating loss to the Minnesota Vikings, turning the season finale into more of a formality than a celebration. The Lions won, but the larger goal—January football—was gone.
“I’d Give Myself a Freaking F”
At his season-ending press conference in Allen Park, Campbell didn’t hesitate when asked to evaluate himself.
“Not good enough. We didn’t get in. We underachieved,” Campbell said. “So, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F.”
It was a jarring soundbite, but also a revealing one. There was no deflection, no talk of injuries or bad breaks—just accountability. Campbell also spoke candidly about how hard it would be to watch other teams play on.
“It’s hard to believe that this is it,” he said. “It’s going to be a hard pill to swallow watching these teams in the playoffs.”
A Season of Change on the Sidelines
The year was turbulent behind the scenes. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for the Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departed for the New York Jets. Their replacements—John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard—struggled to make an immediate impact, prompting Campbell to reclaim play-calling duties himself in Week 10.
Looking ahead, Campbell made it clear nothing is off the table.
“I’m open to anything,” he said. “I want to do what I think is best for the team.”
Watching Rivals Move On
Perhaps the most painful twist? Seeing Johnson thrive immediately in Chicago. The Bears not only snapped a long playoff drought but also dethroned Detroit atop the NFC North, ending the Lions’ two-year reign. Now, Chicago is preparing to host the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round—exactly where Detroit hoped to be.
What Comes Next
Campbell’s brutal honesty won’t fix the season, but it sets the tone for what’s next. The Lions didn’t collapse—they fell short. And in Campbell’s eyes, that distinction matters. Whether it leads to coaching tweaks, roster changes, or a reshaped identity, one thing is clear: denial won’t be part of the process.
Sometimes, the hardest step forward is admitting you didn’t go far enough.