What’s Next for Teddy Bridgewater? Free Agency, Coaching, or One Last Lions Run?
One thing is certain: Teddy Bridgewater won’t be back with the Detroit Lions in 2025—at least not as a full-time player. The veteran quarterback has already begun his transition into coaching, returning to his alma mater, Miami Northwestern, where he led the team to a state championship last season. Now, he’s gearing up for another year on the sidelines, focused on mentoring young athletes.
But does that mean his NFL days are completely over? Not necessarily.
Bridgewater’s Surprising 2024 Season
Heading into 2024, most expected Bridgewater to retire. He had already expressed his desire to coach high school football, and it looked like his time in the NFL had come to an emotional close.
Then, in December, Bridgewater made a surprise return to the Lions for their playoff push. Though he was inactive for the final two regular-season games, Dan Campbell promoted him to Jared Goff’s veteran backup for the postseason. Campbell insisted it wasn’t about any lack of confidence in Hendon Hooker but rather about having an experienced presence for high-stakes games.
When Goff briefly left the Lions’ lone playoff game for a concussion check, Bridgewater stepped in for a single series—completing one pass and helping orchestrate a Jameson Williams reverse touchdown.
Will Bridgewater Play in the NFL Again?
As of now, Bridgewater is set to continue coaching Miami Northwestern, meaning an early-season NFL return is highly unlikely. However, he hasn’t officially retired and is keeping his options open.
Could he make another late-season cameo with the Lions? It’s possible. Bridgewater revealed that multiple teams reached out to him last year, but he only wanted to return to Detroit, largely due to his close relationship with Dan Campbell.
“It was Lions or bust,” Bridgewater told reporters. “Dan and I kept in touch outside of football. Our relationship goes beyond the gridiron. He checks on me, my family, my well-being. Who wouldn’t want to come back and work for a guy like that?”
That said, 2025 is expected to be the year Hooker steps into the trusted backup role, making Bridgewater’s return less necessary. However, his leadership and mentorship have been invaluable to the team, so a late-season reunion shouldn’t be ruled out.
Could Bridgewater Join the Lions’ Coaching Staff?
For now, that’s a hard no. While his coaching success has sparked speculation about an eventual move to college or the NFL, Bridgewater has made it clear that he prefers the high school level.
“College, you’ve gotta have deep pockets. NFL, you can’t love sleep. So I’d rather stick with the high school level,” he said.
His passion is in giving back to his community, and it doesn’t look like he’s interested in the grind of professional coaching—at least for now.
Final Thoughts
Bridgewater’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his impact goes far beyond the field. Whether he makes another Lions cameo or fully commits to coaching, he’s already cemented his legacy as a respected leader.
Would you like to see Bridgewater return to the Lions in some capacity? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
