Detroit Lions have gone from a rebuilding franchise to a legitimate Super Bowl contender under head coach Dan Campbell. However, after ending with a 9-8 record, third in the NFC North in 2025, anything short of a playoff appearance could put Campbell under pressure.

"There's no question the pressure is on Dan Campbell," said NFL analyst Mark Schlereth on the Stinkin' Truth podcast. "I still think they're one of the most talented rosters in football. I think Jared Goff is a top five or six quarterback in the NFL. The guy is phenomenal. think Penei Sewell is one of the most talented, if not the most talented, offensive lineman in football."

Schlereth emphasized that the team's championship window is open, which means Campbell must make the most of the roster before any key roster changes or injuries change the franchise's trajectory.

"Get down, do the dirty work, make tough catches inside, set up key blocks. So, you've got offensive weaponry," said Mark Schlereth on the Stinkin' Truth podcast.

Campbell has turned the Lions into perennial contenders, but success in the regular season is yet to be converted into a Super Bowl appearance. Plus, the playoff miss last season has put a lot of pressure on the head coach to prove it this year.

SB Nation's Bill Williamson drafted a list of five surprise hot-seat coaching candidates, and Dan Campbell was one of them.

"Overall, Campbell has done a good job making the Lions relevant, and he runs a strong program. But if the Lions, who went 9-8, fail to make the playoffs for a second year in a row and show signs of regression, he could be in trouble," Williamson wrote on July 9.

Campbell has built a culture of aggressiveness and resilience since he took over in 2021. His decision-making has helped reform the Lions' identity. With one of the NFL's deepest rosters and best QBs, the Lions have the pieces to contend for a title.

However, Schlereth also believes the Lions made the right move by hiring Drew Petzing to lead the offense.

NFL legend appreciates Drew Petzing's hire with a strong vote of confidence

Mark Schlereth praised Dan Campbell's decision to hire Drew Petzing as Detroit's new offensive coordinator, arguing that he is better suited to the Lions' offensive personnel than he was in Arizona.

"I think this is a really good hire by Dan Campbell of a guy that really understands offense that just really didn't necessarily click because of the nature of the quarterback and the offset nature of the offense in Arizona," said Schlereth on the same podcast.

Petzing comes from a strong offensive system and should grow with a roster featuring star players like Goff, St. Brown, Gibbs, and La Porta. Detroit needed stability when they got it due to Petzing.

The OC was hired after his three-year stint as Arizona's offensive coordinator, where his offenses consistently succeeded on the ground despite inconsistent QB play.

Do you think Dan Campbell is on the hot seat this season, or are the Lions primed for a Super Bowl run? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore