The Detroit Lions were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. They failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and the team struggled in several areas. They took a step back on offense regarding previous seasons; in part, that was due to losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears.
Johnson’s departure created issues with the Lions’ play-calling. It was offensive coordinator John Morton who took over those duties, and then it was head coach Dan Campbell. However, no matter who called, the Lions did not play at a high enough level to reach the postseason.
Dan Campbell Gives Himself an “F”
When a team fails to reach expectations, most of the blame is usually placed on the head coach. Campbell has no problem accepting that blame and even graded himself as an “F” for the way he coached this season.
According to Ari Meirov, Campbell said in a press conference, “Not good enough, we didn’t get in (to the playoffs), I mean, we underachieved, so not good. I will give myself a freaking F.”
#Lions HC Dan Campbell on the grade he would give himself for this season:
“I’d give myself a freaking F.”
(🎥 @Local4News)pic.twitter.com/zVFEZBPN40
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2026
Campbell has been one of the best coaches in the league over the past few seasons. But there is no question that this year ended in disappointment. Still, his team has plenty of talent and a chance to return to the postseason next year.
Campbell and the Lions already made one significant move to begin the offseason: firing Morton. You could see that move coming once Campbell took over play-calling duties as the Lions look to get back to their explosive ways next season.
It will be interesting to see who the Lions look at in their search for a new OC, but it will likely be someone with an innovative offense.
Campbell Must Make Tough Decisions
The Lions were not awful in any of the three phases, according to PFSN; they ranked 14th in Defense Impact Score and 8th in Offense Impact Score.
However, it was still not enough to secure a playoff spot. Campbell will face some tough decisions this offseason as he decides what is best for the team and how to get them back into contention.
Also, the Lions have plenty of free agents to decide on. We see plenty of turnover on every NFL roster each season; some teams improve while others decline.
Some of the decisions made by Campbell and company will show us how serious they are about winning.
