The Detroit Lions did not make the playoffs in 2025. NFL coaches largely agree, however, that they will still be serious contenders next season.

The Detroit Lions failed to make the playoffs last NFL season with a 9-8 record.

The season before, they had 15 wins, and the season before that, 12. Both times, that was easily enough to reach the postseason.

Although things have taken a turn for the worse and the season didn’t go as hoped, NFL coaches aren’t ready to write off the team from Michigan. And Head Coach Dan Campbell also believes the door to the Super Bowl remains open: “Our chance isn’t gone yet. It isn’t gone yet.”

Can eight coaching departures really be replaced?

After the outstanding 15–2 season in 2024, the team had to replace eight coaches, including both coordinators—offensive and defensive. Both went on to take head coaching positions in the NFL.

Even though most of the players were retained, this meant a bit of a fresh start for Campbell: “Nobody warns you: ‘Hey, get ready to lose [eight] coaches in a year. Of course, that’s the plan. You’re always going to lose a few people—if you’re doing it right. Then you can promote the next person up or look for new people. But when it comes to [eight coaches], that’s a big challenge. Still, you owe it to the players and the organization to find the best person.”

Nevertheless, after a year of settling in and making small adjustments in the right positions, they believe they’re back in contention: “So I feel like the pieces of the puzzle we added last year mostly really fit us and are an asset to us.”

Sean McVay Talks About “Luxury Problems” in Detroit

His fellow coaches also see the Lions as capable of going far again, as has been the case regularly since Campbell took over in Detroit—and as was the case before last season.

Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams, for example, says: “I think that’s a luxury problem. If you’re losing coaches for the reasons you’re discussing with Dan, it means you’re doing a really good job. People want to emulate that. Or the front office wants those coaches to take on leadership roles or take the next step in their careers. I’d say that’s a blessing. What I’ve really come to appreciate for us—and what’s a great stroke of luck—is that it brings you into contact with new people. And with new ideas.”

Aaron Glenn, his former colleague and current head coach of the New York Jets, also offered a positive assessment of the situation: “That’s really a luxury problem, because when you lose coaches this way, it usually means things are going well.”

St. Brown believes in a successful season with the Lions

Mike LaFleur of the Arizona Cardinals still sees Campbell’s team as a serious contender: “I certainly see it as a challenge. [Campbell] has lost both of his coordinators, and there’s a certain adjustment period, and sometimes there are teething problems, but I still consider them a top-tier team.“

Star player Amon-Ra St. Brown also echoed this sentiment and backed his coach ahead of the season: ”I think Dan is 100 percent right. I believe our chances of making the Super Bowl are still very good. I think our core is still there. … The key players are still here. There are so many players on our team who are part of the core and are still with us.”

The German-American added: “So I think the changes we’ve gone through—every team goes through changes—mean that you win games, key players leave, and you have to bring in new players. We have more changes this year, and I think that will be good for us.”