The Detroit Lions have been dealing with the frustration of a premature playoff exit, and as every day has passed, new reasons have surfaced for fans to feel better after the defeat.
Reality is setting in that the Lions aren't going anywhere as a contender even though they will be forced to add a pair of new coordinators and the roster will be retooled. Their core is intact, and that is enough to help ensure the future is bright.
Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders is someone who believes that's the case. Following the loss and a week of tumult with the coaching staff, Sanders hopped on social media to not only wish the departing staff members well, but share a message of hope to a rattled fanbase.
I want congratulate #AaronGlenn & #BenJohnson on their new posts. What you helped the @lions build will always be treasured & appreciated.
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) January 22, 2025
For fans I remind you that my trust in Shiela, Rod, Brad, and Dan is unwavering. They will not rest until the #Lomardi is in the #313 pic.twitter.com/7eQckFtmwG
Though Detroit's offensive and defensive coordinator have departed, the Lions still have Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell and Rod Wood calling the shots in addition to Chris Spielman. All are hungry to bring football glory to town. That group set the plan in motion that led the Lions to this point, and all remain As Sanders pointed out, that is ample reason for fans to feel fantastic about the future.
Brad Holmes believes Lions can remain perennial Super Bowl contenders
The next steps for the Lions involves figuring out how to tackle free agency and the draft in order to build a Super Bowl winner. The roster building portion of the offseason is fun for decision makers, but don't expect Holmes to deviate much from the solid plan that has brought Detroit to the table of annual Super Bowl contenders.
"I just think that we just stay the course and just keep building like we've been. I do think that we're very close. Obviously, I thought we were very close this year, but nothing's going to kind of alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keep building. Obviously, I do think we're very close. Felt really good about this season, but (we) fell short. We're going to stay committed to the process."
The overall message? The Lions still have a bright future in spite of a frustrating end to a fantastic 2024 season. Holmes believes the Lions can continue business as usual and still contend for a Super Bowl, and with him and his brain trust in charge, fans shouldn't lose faith.
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