Detroit Lions Dan Campbell is under increasing pressure after the Detroit Lions were officially eliminated from NFL playoff contention on Christmas Day with defeat to the Minnesota Vikings
Dan Campbell is under pressure after the Lions were KO’d from playoff contention(Image: Getty)
Dan Campbell is remaining in his post for the near future despite the Detroit Lions’ playoff bid ending at the hands of NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions, one of the NFL’s most impressive teams in recent seasons under Campbell’s stewardship, slipped to 8-8 in 2025 following a disappointing 23-10 road defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, who fielded a rookie quarterback, Max Brosmer. The defeat ended all hopes of the Lions making the playoffs.
It was the latest shock around the NFL, with the Kansas City Chiefs knocked out of playoff contention, and the Baltimore Ravens on the cusp of suffering the same fate. Head coach Campbell, who helped revitalize the Lions from one of the NFL‘s basement teams to one of its most potent, has found himself in the hot seat following Detroit’s slump this year.
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Fans heavily criticized Campbell for some of the play calls against the Vikings, who offensively struggled to throw the ball with Brosmer, managing just 51 yards. The Lions also experienced their own offensive disasters with veteran Jared Goff and Co.
The offense committed six turnovers, suffered breakdowns on both sides of the ball, and crumbled during the crucial fourth quarter, where the game was still up for grabs. “Dan Campbell should be fired immediately,” one fan commented.
“Embarrassing Dan Campbell 2-6 since taking over play calling duties. Back when the offense was rolling I like him, but this is a ‘look in the mirror’ issue Leaders own it, learn from it, correct it. But that window is closing quickly,” another fan said.
Has Dan Campbell been fired?
Campbell will remain in his post at least for the remainder of the season. The Lions haven’t made a decision thus far on the former tight end’s future. The 49-year-old has built up some credit in the bank in recent years, not only from the Lions’ performances on the field, but also from his tough-talking, brutally honest comments.
The Lions have one game remaining this season against the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears in early January. Firing Campbell before the Lions’ season ends would make little sense, as a lengthy offseason would give the franchise time to assess its options.
Campbell could be handed the reins next season to see whether he can turn the Lions’ fortunes around, with 2025 a stark contrast to the team that was considered a Super Bowl contender in recent years. The Lions still boast impressive weapons on both sides of the ball, and with some tweaks and a smart draft, could see Detroit bounce back with Campbell holding the reins.
What has Dan Campbell said?
Campbell wasn’t too thrilled to be missing the playoffs this year. “I’m gonna be looking at a lot of things because I do not like being home for the playoffs and I know our guys don’t either,” Campbell said.
“Whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody’s involved, including myself. I’m always going to look at myself first.”
Campbell has signalled that he’ll spend a lot of time at the drawing board this upcoming offseason to make the necessary changes. “Brad and I will have a lot of decisions to make, a lot of things to look at,” Campbell said. “How do we improve? Because we need to improve.”