Updated March 17, 2026
A Painful 9-8 Collapse After Deep Playoff Runs
After an NFC Championship appearance in 2023 and a Divisional Round exit in 2024, the Lions cratered to 9-8 in 2025 and finished last in the NFC North — a division where all four teams finished above .500. The loss of both coordinators — Ben Johnson to the Bears and Aaron Glenn to the Jets — proved devastating. Detroit's defense fell from 7th to 23rd in points allowed, the rushing attack went from top-five to bottom-ten, and the team went just 2-5 in one-score games after going 7-2 the year before. A Christmas Day loss to the rival Vikings officially eliminated them from playoff contention.
Dan Campbell Retools the Coaching Staff
Dan Campbell promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator and brought in David Shaw as passing game coordinator and Tashard Choice to lead the running backs room. Campbell insists the Lions are 'not that far off,' and the front office has backed that belief with aggressive offseason moves including signing former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco to complement Jahmyr Gibbs and adding veteran corner Roger McCreary.
Hutchinson Returns on a Massive Extension
Aidan Hutchinson broke his tibia and fibula in a Week 6 loss to the Cowboys during the 2024 season and missed the rest of that year. After a grueling rehab, Hutchinson was cleared for full physical activity and committed his future to Detroit with a four-year, $180 million extension. His return gives the Lions their best pass rusher back and is the single biggest reason for optimism heading into 2026.