Detroit Lions
head coach Dan Campbell believes they can remain contenders despite offseason changes. Despite departures and potential turnover, Campbell emphasizes the team’s strong core and culture. Notable player contracts have been secured, and key positions are filled with talent, ensuring a strong foundation for continued success.
The Lions will focus on replacing key coaches and retaining free agents while preparing for the upcoming draft. Their approach will focus on holding on to the solid core, which would be the base of keeping competitive in the league.
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Dan Campbell is returning to work after Lion’s worst possible finish to the best season in franchise history
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is returning to work after the worst possible finish to the best season in franchise history, but he believes the team has the talent to bring Detroit its first Super Bowl. Campbell said he’s prepared to handle the crushing defeat and look ahead in a season-ending news conference in Detroit.
“I’m back on my feet, ready to roll, and I’ve acknowledged, I can look in the mirror and say, ‘You know what, you failed, man. What are you going to do about it?’ So, that’s where we’re at and move forward, man,” Campbell said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Campbell and the Lions must prepare for the new season, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Detroit’s defensive coordinator,
Aaron Glenn
, both expected to leave. The New York Jets are actively pursuing Glenn for their head coach vacancy, and Glenn has been interviewing with several other franchises. Success brings change, and although the Lions didn’t get their Super Bowl this season, Campbell is confident their title window remains open.
“That core group is still intact and some of these guys are now — we’ve signed some back, some are up on contracts and that’ll be ongoing,” Campbell said, via the Detroit Free Press. “But yeah, we absolutely do [have a window to contend still]. And I think the most important thing is … you’ve got your culture, you’ve got your identity and you’ve got players that fit into that, and we’ve got that. We’ve got players in every pivotal position you can ask for to have success. And those guys are made the right way, so absolutely, our window is open.”
The Lions won the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a franchise-best 15-2 regular-season record and although their postseason was brief, it was far from over. Given the expected shifts, the Lions’ investment in core players and a strong cultural identity bodes well for them to continue. The team’s contention window remains open, so this offseason is the time for savvy moves.
