Dan Campbell: "Our window is not closed"

Key Points:

• After blowing a 17-point halftime lead in the 2023 NFC Championship, Lions coach Dan Campbell initially suggested that might have been their only shot, but he now insists the team's playoff window remains open.
• The Lions finished fourth in the NFC North in 2025, which gives them a relatively favorable schedule in 2026, facing the Titans, Giants, and Cardinals, compared to tougher opponents for division rivals.
• Coaching turnover in 2025, including losing eight coaches and replacing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson with John Morton and then Drew Petzing, negatively impacted the team's performance.
• Despite having talented players, the Lions failed to make the playoffs last year, highlighting issues with execution in critical moments; a strong start in 2026 is crucial for reclaiming the NFC North and playoff contention.
• Another playoff miss in 2026 could put pressure on Campbell’s job security as he approaches his seventh season, nearing the franchise record for longest head-coaching tenure.