Boisterous head coach Dan Campbell is not intimidated by his Detroit Lions 2025 schedule, and his words after OTAs say it all.
The Lions have arguably one of the most brutal 2025 schedules, and until now, Campbell has been quiet about his feelings going into the season. And with a roster that had faced upwards of 20 injuries by late in the 2024 season, the confidence of the coach is crucial.
Despite opening up his media availability with a list of inactives so long he had to flip the list over to complete reading it, Campbell exuded confidence in his team when addressing the matter Friday.
Dan Campbell Talks After First Week of OTAs
In his press conference, Campbell spoke specifically about the minor nature of anything afflicting the players, expressing the importance of making sure that guys are getting their bodies set for the upcoming year.
Campbell’s press conference Friday came after the Lions wrapped up the second day of the first week of OTAs, and before listing everyone who sat out, he spoke on the joy that it is to be back, mentioning that all but two players were present for the voluntary workouts and that everyone is “locked in.”
Speaking on the brutal 2025 season ahead, Campbell said, “This is the type of schedule that builds you for the postseason.” Referring to the powerhouse teams on their schedule, such as the Baltimore Ravens, reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and even the revamped and newly Ben Johnson-coached Chicago Bears, he added, “We better be on it.”
Campbell continued, “We’re gonna get tested, early and often and all year long, and it’s freakin’ awesome … It’s really how you want it.”
Detroit Lions 2025 Schedule
According to the 2025 NFL strength of schedule rankings at PFSN, the Lions have the hardest road to the playoffs in the NFL.
In addition to playing in maybe the best division in football, the Lions will play both conference champions during the 2025 regular season. Nothing will come easy this year for a team that lost both of their coordinators, but they were atop PFSN’s power rankings for a large portion of 2024 and did win seven of nine games against winning teams in the process (second best).
Aside from looking forward to the tough road ahead, Campbell made notable mention of wide receiver Jameson Williams, complementing his speed and saying “he’s gotten so much stronger.” Combine that with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson recently being cleared to return after suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 6 of last season, and it’s no wonder the coach is excited for the 2025 season.
