The Detroit Lions closed out their 2025 season with a 19–16 win over the Chicago Bears, finishing with a 9–7 record. But despite ending on a high note, the victory wasn’t enough to push Detroit into the NFL Playoffs, and no one felt that sting more than head coach Dan Campbell.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Campbell was asked to evaluate his own performance this season. True to form, he didn’t sugarcoat a thing.
“Not good enough, we didn’t get in,” Campbell said. “I mean, we underachieved, so, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F!”
It was a blunt self-assessment from a coach who has built his program on accountability and honesty. The Lions battled through injuries, inconsistency, and close losses throughout the year, but Campbell made it clear that falling short of the postseason outweighed any positives.
Detroit now shifts its focus to the offseason, with tough roster decisions ahead and philosophical questions to answer about how to get the team back into playoff contention. And if Campbell’s comments are any indication, the tone going forward will be urgent.
The standard in Detroit has changed, and Campbell knows it.
