Dan Campbell Has Tough Words for Lions Doubters

The Detroit Lions have enjoyed a stellar run under head coach Dan Campbell for the past few years, but some NFL analysts and experts are raising eyebrows at the team this season. Why? It’s simply because this marks the first season Campbell will be heading up his team without his longtime offensive and defense coordinators. So, yes, things will look different on the sidelines for the Detroit Lions during the 2025-26 season, but will they look different on the field?

There’s a lot to be said for having fantastic play-callers on both the offensive and defense lines. But, the power ultimately rests in those players who are on the field and making those smart plays happen. So, analysts are mixed when it comes to what they think the Lions can deliver this season.

The Detroit Lions’ 2024-25 season was stellar and led them to the playoffs. But, the Lions fell early and hard to the Washington Commanders in the first postseason game. Now, it’s up to Campbell to get them past that hump without his longtime coordinators at his side.

Now, has some strong words for Detroit Lions doubters going into the new season, and he’s letting it all hang out.

Detroit Lions Coach Doesn’t Mince Words

Campbell is discussing all of the talk in the NFL that the Lions might not be the same team without their coordinators. In a an interview with WXYZ‘s Brad Galli on Monday, August 11, Campbell said that the trash talk motivates him to work harder and make sure his team is a success.

“It’s not hard for me to find things that can drive you. That’s how I was as a player, that’s how I am as a coach,” he told Galli. “I’ll pull anything negative because it motivates me. So I would be lying if I said, ‘No, that doesn’t get me going a little bit.’ That’s the next challenge.”

Campbell also said that if he’s doing his job right, even after he leaves the Lions, they’ll continue on with his legacy, since the coach’s job is to train the players to do the job themselves.

“If I really did this right, I should be able to just leave and these guys don’t miss a beat,” he said. “If you really do your job, that can happen.”

Another Motivation for the Detroit Lions

That heartbreaking loss to the Washington Commanders in the postseason is inspiring Campbell to move forward. But, it’s also haunting him and has tied up his thoughts.

“So I just, in my own head, did I set us up for failure by the way that I spoke about it?” he said in the interview with WXYZ. “I think about little things like that. Whereas, you know what? We didn’t lose on the road last year. What if we had gone on the road?”

So, this season, expect the Lions to be ready to play in all conditions and always “find a way to win,” he says. Campbell isn’t focusing on trying to get that home-field advantage. He’s focused on winning every game.