Dan Campbell Gives Himself a ‘Freaking F’ After Detroit Lions Miss Playoffs
DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL season ended with a mix of frustration and self-reflection as head coach Dan Campbell openly graded his performance with a harsh “freaking F” after the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Despite finishing with a winning record of 9-8, the Lions fell short of expectations and failed to secure a postseason berth, prompting Campbell’s candid assessment during his end-of-season press conference.
Coming off a 15-2 campaign in 2024 that earned the Lions the No. 1 seed in the NFC, hopes were high for Detroit to make a deep playoff run. However, the team’s momentum stalled this year, culminating in a narrow Week 18 victory over the Chicago Bears, 19-16, which was not enough to clinch a playoff spot. Campbell did not mince words, telling reporters, “Not good enough. We didn’t get in, we underachieved. So, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F,” according to Yahoo Sports.
The Lions’ recent trajectory had been promising. In 2023, Detroit reached the NFC Championship Game, narrowly missing a trip to their first-ever Super Bowl after a dramatic second-half comeback by the San Francisco 49ers. The 2024 season saw the Lions secure the top seed in the conference, though they were upset in the Divisional Round by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.
One factor contributing to the 2025 struggles was significant turnover in the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, credited with unlocking quarterback Jared Goff’s potential, departed to become head coach of the Chicago Bears, an NFC North rival who went on to win the division in his first year. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also left, joining the New York Jets, who endured a disappointing 3-14 season. These changes disrupted the continuity that had helped the Lions build one of the league’s more formidable rosters, as noted by NFL.com.
Campbell’s self-criticism reflects his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense leader who holds himself accountable as much as his players. His candid remarks underscore the high standards now expected of the Lions franchise, which has steadily risen from mediocrity to playoff contender over the past several seasons.
Looking ahead, the Lions will seek to regroup and address the gaps exposed this year. The upcoming NFL Draft offers an opportunity to bolster the roster, while the front office faces decisions on coaching hires and player development. Detroit fans will be eager for a return to postseason play after the disappointment of 2025.
As the Lions prepare for the offseason, Campbell’s blunt assessment serves as a reminder that the journey to sustained success in the NFL is rarely linear. The team’s recent highs have raised expectations, and the coach’s willingness to grade himself harshly may signal a renewed commitment to meet those expectations in 2026 and beyond.
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