It isn't a stretch to say the Detroit Lions wouldn't be where they are without Dan Campbell. In four short years, the head coach has abruptly changed the narrative about a franchise which has been a perennial loser. But that certainly doesn't mean he is above reproach.
While Campbell has done more for the Lions lately than any one man, he's also beginning to cost his team for some of the same reasons that have made him successful. With a much higher margin for error in 2025, Campbell continues to throw caution to the wind and gamble on fourth-down, and it's been more often to his detriment.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, this juxtaposition was on full display. Early in the game, Campbell had a chance at an easy three points, but elected to go for it on fourth and goal from deep inside the red zone. Predictably, the Lions misfired, costing them early momentum in the game.
That decision would come back to bite. Trailing 29-24 in the late stages, the Lions had a few last gasp opportunities as they drove the ball into Steelers territory. Unfortunately, at that point, they needed a touchdown instead of a field goal to win the game. Aside from a few borderline calls and a putrid defensive effort, this was the hidden reason the Lions lost.
Afterward, Campbell didn't have much to say about his choice to pass up the field goal. When asked by reporters if he would change anything about the decision, he simply replied "no" and didn't expound on why he made the move.
The criticism is the same as when the coach lost winnable games in 2021 for identical reasons. Campbell must understand he isn't operating with the same personnel he had in 2023 and 2024, or even earlier this season. When personnel isn't healthy or up to standard, execution isn't as sharp. That means a coach must commit to decisions he might consider uncomfortable. It isn't a sign of weakness, but rather strength and smarts.
Sadly for Lions fans, this game was the most painful reminder of why "going for it" isn't always the best decision to make.
Campbell's stubborn nature might cost Lions a playoff birth this year
Live by the sword and die by the sword has been a difficult proposition for Detroit football in 2025. In the second-half of the season alone, the Lions have lost a handful of games that could have gone the other way had decision making been a touch more stable in critical moments.
With the Lions struggling up front offensively while seeing their defense decimated by injuries, the most important thing Campbell could do is put points on the board every opportunity he has, and punt in other cases when the situation dictates. It hasn't happened nearly enough to win close, coin-flip games.
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Many times, the field goals Campbell passes up are not long, but easier kicks for Jake Bates, who has a strong leg. Similarly, by electing not to punt other times, he prevents a weapon in Jack Fox from executing, putting an already shorthanded defense at a field position disadvantage.
If the Lions had found a way to beat the Steelers, they'd have had nearly a 50% chance to make the playoffs. Instead, the loss means Detroit will have to win out and get lucky with chaos ahead of them in the NFC North. It's not impossible, but it's also not likely. That means the spotlight is set to be cast in many directions in the postmortem to start 2026.
While many might not like to admit it, the inconvenient truth is Campbell will have had as big of a hand as anyone in Detroit having a poor finish thanks to decision making. It will need to be a long offseason of introspection if that is the case.