May 21, 2026, 1:00 AM CUT

Dan Campbell’s Future Draws Concern After Lions Shake-Up

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell exasperated, but gives credit to the Steelers and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for their win after the game between Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI /CSM Detroit United States - ZUMAc04_ 20251221_zma_c04_090 Copyright: xAllanxDranbergx

The Detroit Lions made the playoffs consistently in 2023 and 2024. But after missing the playoffs in 2025, head coach Dan Campbell's future could be in jeopardy, as per the analysts of the Locked on NFL.

Adding to the chatter, now Tyler Rowland, with his co-host Lorin Cox, has commented on Campbell’s future in the Lions over the signing of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and running back Isiah Pacheco.

“I don't think they'll ever get back to that 15-2 Lions media darling type. I just think that window may have closed a little bit,” Tyler Rowland said. “I don't think that Dan Campbell is going to be able to survive the coordinator changes.”

Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (39) celebrates with teammates after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Motor City team narrowly missed the 2025 NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record. Now on a path to restore their NFL Super Bowl contender status, the Lions took bold steps.

The Lions fired their OC, John Morton, and replaced him with former Cardinals’ coach Drew Petzing. To overcome the depleted roster, they signed Pacheco from the Kansas City Chiefs.

During the 2026 NFL free agency period, the Lions lost running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, breaking the NFL’s most lethal running back tandem, the “Sonic-Knuckle” pair of him and RB Jahmyr Gibbs.

Pacheco is known for his aggressive and physical gameplay, but he is coming out of an injury and will be on a prove-it deal. The Lions have to test his compatibility with Jahmyr to implement the similar duo pair philosophy of Campbell.

“I just think that window may have closed a little bit,” Rowland said.

For Rowland, the changes in coaching as well as the roster may be a bit much for Campbell to manage through. His current contract runs through the 2027 season, so a lot will depend on 2026.

Post 2025 season, Campbell has lost his three major coordinators: Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, and John Morton.

Recently, former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka was also seen at the NFL accelerator program, signaling a career change, per Pride of Detroit.

With the core coaching staff and veteran talent leaving, it could be difficult for Campbell to maintain the chemistry of the team around “GRIT”.

Long Stretch for Lions Could Make Dan Campbell’s Coach of the Year Path

After finishing last in the NFC North division in the 2025 NFL season, the Lions are again preparing for the next NFL season under Dan Campbell.

According to the Detroit Lions schedule revealed on May 14, 2026, by the NFL officials, the Motown team will have several matchups against rebuilding squads, per Side Lion Report.

They will begin their season while playing the New Orleans Saints, and after that, they will play in three games in about 12 days, one of which will be played in Germany.

The Lions will conclude their season by playing against their divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Campbell joined the Lions in 2021, and he still waits for his first coach of the year title.

Per analyst Candace Pedraza, if the Lions can cover this stretch by winning maximum matches, then Campbell could land his hands on COTY after Week 18.

The Detroit Lions, for the sixth time under Campbell, will be playing to restore their path to the Super Bowl.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote