The Detroit Lions‘ season officially ended on Sunday, January 4, with a win over the Chicago Bears on the road, in a 19-16 final score, and head coach Dan Campbell and company have been busy hiring new staff members ever since.
But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have time to have fun. Over the weekend, Campbell and his wife made a surprise public appearance, and it caused a stir in mid-Michigan.
“I believe that things happen for a reason, right wrong or indifferent,” Campbell told reporters following the team’s win over the Bears, when asked about the team’s 2025-26 season. The Lions ended the season with a 9-8 record, according to ESPN research, and no trip to the playoffs.
“Just when something like this happens, I believe it’s going to be for the best. It’s up to Brad (Holmes) and I to make it for the best and the guys that we know we’re going to count on on this team,” Campbell told reporters. “So that’s how I view it. Because as good as it felt to get that and it’s the last one, it’s — I mean, let’s call it what it is.”
He added, “It’s a bad feeling. Now going into the playoffs and you get to watch everybody else go while you’re sitting at home. It’s frustrating. So that’s what fuels you. We don’t want to be doing that again next year. That’s not where we want to be. We have got to get in.”
Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell Causes a Stir
On Friday, January 30, the Michigan State Spartans hosted the Michigan Wolverines for a basketball game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The Spartans dropped that game, with a 83-71 final score, and Campbell was there to witness the action.
Campbell and his wife, Holly, showed up at the game and got a massive round of applause when they entered the arena.
What’s interesting is that Campbell and his wife picked a side, too. They were both wearing Spartan gear, so Michigan fans may not like that. Campbell also was seen shaking hands with new MSU football coach Pat Fitzgerald.
So, why is Campbell a Spartan fan? His daughter reportedly attends MSU, which explains a lot.
Inspiring Words From Dan Campbell After Detroit Lions’ Season Finale
The Detroit Lions played solid in their season finale against the Bears, and Campbell says it’s because they were playing “complementary football.”
“I mean, honestly when we needed it most all three phases showed up for us in a big way. It was like clockwork. You know, we were able to control the time of possession,” he told reporter. “Not that we were necessarily trying to do that, but had these long drives and then, about the time something bad happens on offense, defense steps right up and just come up with a big takeaway or a big stop. And then when we get scored on, our offense goes right down the field when we needed it. ”
He added that the players simply played well together and had the kind of chemistry they need on the field. “I mean, that’s what winning teams do,” Campbell said. “We haven’t had that in a while. It’s been a while. Been a few weeks.”
Lions’ Dan Campbell Makes Surprise Public Appearance