Just a couple of short years ago, the Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell were one of the top up-and-coming teams in the NFL.
Not only were they won of the best up-and-coming teams, they were a legitimate Super Bowl contender. In 2024, the Lions were the best team in the regular season. They fell apart in the playoffs against the Washington Commanders, but the future looked bright.
Unfortunately, the 2025 NFL season was a different story. Detroit ended up missing the playoffs, which has caused a lot of pressure to fall upon the team.
Entering the 2026 campaign, the Lions are expected to bounce back strong. Another season like 2025 could cause the franchise to consider major changes.
Could the team actually consider moving on from Campbell? One analyst thinks it’s a possibility.
Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell Placed on Hot Seat
James Dator of SBNation has named Campbell as one of the NFL head coaches on the hot seat. He thinks that another bad season could expose Campbell.
“A lot hinges on this season. After a down 2025 led to the Lions missing the playoffs and taking a step back in both offense and defense, it’s only right to ponder whether or not Detroit fell into the hole of having a good, not great coach — while losing two brilliant coordinators,” Dator wrote.
“It seems ridiculous that Campbell could be on the hot seat after being the only coach to bring sustained success to the Lions in over 20 years, but this team can’t afford to backslide more the way they did in 2025. Especially if that means sitting at home and watching the Ben Johnson-led Bears thrive in the playoffs.”
He makes a good point. It’s hard to think that the Lions struggling immediately after losing both their offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator is a coincidence.
Watching the Chicago Bears win the NFC North division in 2025 under Ben Johnson was another factor. Johnson was clearly a big part of Detroit’s success in recent years.
What Has Dan Campbell Accomplished in Detroit?
Campbell has been the lead man for the Lions since the 2021 season. He has led the franchise to a 48-36-1 overall record and has made the playoffs in two out of his five seasons.
On the outside looking in, those numbers simply aren’t elite.
No one can take away the fact that Campbell completely rebuilt the makeup of the franchise. He instilled confidence and fight into a team that had been stuck in mediocrity for years. That much was something that he himself accomplished.
That being said, Detroit is ready to win. If Campbell is unable to lead the Lions on a deep playoff run in 2026, there is a chance that they could consider going in a different direction.
More than likely, Campbell won’t be coaching for his job in 2026. But, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could be on the hot seat.
Lions HC Dan Campbell Put on Notice Before 2026 Season