Lions coach Dan Campbell on facing the first-place Bears (11-5) in season finale
Dan Campbell: “We’re not playing for the playoffs but there are still things we can find out.”
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell had many nice things to say about first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard when making his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket’s “Costa and Jansen with Heather” show on Tuesday morning, but he wouldn’t commit to whether Sheppard will be back as the defensive coordinator in 2026.
Campbell said Sheppard, who was promoted following Aaron Glenn’s departure as head coach of the New York Jets last offseason, has grown a ton in his first year as defensive coordinator. But with one game left, he avoided committing to any specific offseason changes, saying all of his focus is currently on winning this Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
“Shep has really grown this year. I think with any first-time coordinator, first-time coach, you go through a lot and you learn along the way,” Campbell said. “You make adjustments, you find things that you believe in, you throw other things to the side that don’t fit, you find ways to adjust, and it’s just part of the process.
“I think Shep’s done a damn good job. There’s always gonna be things that you learn from this job, but I like Shep.”
Sheppard’s defense started much stronger than it finished. Entering their Week 12 game against the New York Giants, the Lions‘ defense was 10th in points per game (21.6), fifth in total defense (291.8 yards per game), eighth in both rushing (99.7) and passing (192.1) defense and fourth in third-down efficiency (34.4%).
But starting with the Giants game, Sheppard’s unit took a nose-dive over the final stretch of the season. Detroit has allowed 28.3 points per game and 409 yards per game, including 147.5 on the ground and 261.5 through the air, over Detroit’s last six games. That includes Thursday’s game against third-string, undrafted quarterback Max Brosmer, who helped beat the Lions on Christmas despite collecting just 3 net passing yards.
It seems like a foregone conclusion the Lions will try something different at offensive coordinator after Campbell took play-calling duties away from first-year coordinator John Morton after Week 9. But as for the defensive side of the ball, Campbell’s mind clearly hasn’t transitioned to full offseason mode yet. He said most of the reflection he’s done since being eliminated from the playoffs on Christmas has been about himself.
“Has my mind gone to (the offseason) right after the game for a day or so, 24 hours? Yeah, you go through a lot of it in your head, but most of it is about yourself,” Campbell said. “I mean, that’s what most of it is. I think about myself, because the bottom line is, I’m the one who’s not done a good enough job here. That’s very evident. So, I’ve gotta figure out my own stuff here — what do I need to correct? — and then I’ll start working through the other stuff later. But we got one game left here.”
Right after the loss to Minnesota, which concluded a playoff push filled with disappointment, Campbell said he and general manager Brad Holmes will be looking at everything as they decide how to move forward as a franchise. He elaborated on that sentiment during his radio appearance, saying there will inevitably be some tough conversations had inside the building over the next few months.
“We got a new staff (last offseason). Well, how much of that is — I mean, I got eight new coaches here and two new coordinators — does that mean we just need to get some things in sync, and we buy a little more time, or is it not salvageable?” Campbell said. “… Same with the players — yes, we have more talent. Are we the same team we were in 2022, at the end of that year? You’ve gotta start asking yourself, and if not, why? What is it about that? There’s all kinds of things.”
Added Campbell, “Any time you fall below your own standards, and certainly, we didn’t get in the playoffs, it’s a disappointment, and it’s gonna be uncomfortable, and it should be uncomfortable.”
Still, if there’s one area where it’s safe not to expect any major changes, it’s at quarterback. Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who had a terrific season despite the dysfunction of his offensive line (until last Thursday), received a ringing endorsement from Campbell after turning in his worst performance of the season. Goff threw two interceptions and lost three fumbles as the Lions were eliminated, 23-10, by Minnesota.
“Jared Goff is a stud. He’s an absolute stud,” Campbell said. “We’re fortunate to have him as our quarterback. He’s a winning quarterback in this league. He played at a very high level all season long. He played even better than he played the year before, and he’s continued to play better. We’re thankful to have him, I’m thankful to have him.
“He’s an absolute stud, he’s a pro, he’s going nowhere.”
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi
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