When Dan Campbell arrived at the NFL's annual league meeting in March, his relaxed demeanor and longer hair masked the disappointment of a 2025 season that saw the Detroit Lions drop from 15 wins in 2024 to just nine. Despite the setback, Campbell remains confident that the team's championship window remains open.

Campbell, alongside general manager Brad Holmes, has been working to rebuild the coaching staff after losing both coordinators and eight coaches overall. The biggest change was bringing in former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to replace John Morton. The team also completed a two-year renovation of the offensive line, moving All-Pro Penei Sewell from right tackle to left and drafting tackle Blake Miller.

Detroit has doubled down on its core, locking up young stars like running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell with lucrative extensions, bringing their total investment in extensions to over $1 billion in three years. Campbell believes this commitment, combined with the organization's track record, keeps their championship hopes alive.

Coaches around the league, including Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur, agree that the 2026 Lions are not the 9-8 team from last season and still consider them elite contenders.