Since Dan Campbell took over as head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2021, the team has experienced a dramatic transformation. Despite a challenging first year, Campbell has instilled a tough, determined mentality within the team, leading to three consecutive winning seasons and back-to-back NFC North titles, each with 10 or more wins.
In 2024, the Lions achieved a franchise-record 15-2 regular season. However, their postseason journey ended abruptly with a surprising loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
This unexpected playoff exit prompted Moe Moton of Bleacher Report to include Campbell in the fourth tier of his NFL coaching hot seat rankings, labeling him as having a “room temperature” seat.
Despite last offseason’s contract extension keeping Campbell in Detroit through 2027, the early playoff departure as the NFC’s top seed raised questions. With sustained success come greater expectations, and one postseason stumble can shift perceptions quickly.
Nonetheless, suggesting Campbell is under any pressure at this point feels unwarranted. He has earned widespread respect within the organization and among his players and has restored relevance to a franchise long absent from meaningful contention.
Of course, future playoff failures could put him under more scrutiny. But looking ahead to 2025, the Lions are positioned to remain a powerhouse in the NFC with genuine championship aspirations.
Given all he’s accomplished, Campbell deserves to be in the “freezing cold” category—alongside coaching peers like Matt LaFleur of the Packers, Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings, and the Ravens’ John Harbaugh—rather than facing any heat at all.