After narrowly missing the 2025 NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record, the Detroit Lions are sweating on the gridiron with the new roster with “GRIT”, but head coach Dan Campbell’s recent behavioral changes are turning heads.

While having a conversation with Spem Morax, legendary broadcaster and voice of the Detroit Lions, Dan Miller draws attention towards Campbell being more serious than usual as the Lions are grinding through the OTAs to restore their path to the Lombardi Trophy.

“Yeah, I mean, you can't get Dan to barely smile at the podium, which is not like him…” Miller said. “...We're going to put in our work, but we'll see what happens when the pads come on.”

Coach Campbell is known for his grit and energetic behavior, but during the 2026 offseason, he has his game face on for the first time. He is noticeably more serious ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Campbell wants to correct the mistakes that the Motor City team made in 2025.

Last season, the Lions faced significant losses in their roster because of season-ending injuries. Tight end Sam LaPorta to a herniated disc, OL Christian Mahogany to a fractured fibula, safety Kerby Joseph to a knee injury, and many more.  

The Lions started the season with a 7-4 record, but with the regressed defense, they ended with a 9-8-0 record, placing them 3rd in the NFC North. 

The Lions’ offense gained 481 points total (28.3 points/game), ranking 4th out of 32 teams, but the defense gained 413 points, ranking 22nd out of 32 teams.

And Campbell is aware that if the Lions don’t perform this time, then the team will face heavy backlash from the fans, per many NFL pundits, including Miller as well. 

Not just Campbell’s changed behavior, Miller also talked about the idea of bonding between the former and current Lions players.

Dan Miller Highlights Growing Bond Between Former and Current Lions Players

While speaking with Spem Morax, Dan Miller did not just talk about the importance of grit to restore the Detroit Lions' aspirations, but also the importance of having a bond between the franchise's past icons and its next generation of stars.

"Look, they're a family. I mean, you've all been through a shared experience of playing for this organization,” Miller said. “Whether it was in the tough times or now, these guys that are coming together and enjoying a little bit more success."

Miller highlighted the fact that Sheila Ford, Brad Holmes, and Dan Campbell are successful in reuniting the Lions legends like Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders to share the experience and game wisdom with the present torchbearers of the franchise. 

This approach has created a family-like atmosphere where everyone watches each other's backs, which helps the organization to improve. 

During Calvin Johnson’s charity golf outing, Miller praised the Lions for keeping their doors open to former players and ensuring that franchise legends remain an important part of the organization’s culture.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker