Detroit Lions Facing Potential Shakeup After 2026 Season

Insider speculates GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell could be on the hot seat if team fails to make playoffs again

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a Detroit Lions football game or practice, with sharp planes of color and form representing the team's on-field action.The Detroit Lions' struggles in 2025 have put the futures of their top leaders in question, as the team faces an uncertain path forward.Today in Detroit

A longtime Detroit sports insider has speculated that the Detroit Lions could be facing major changes, including potential dismissals of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, if the team fails to return to the playoffs in 2026. The Lions missed the postseason in 2025 despite high expectations, leading to questions about the leadership duo's future.

Why it matters

The Lions have experienced their most sustained success in decades under Holmes and Campbell, but the pressure to win and return to the playoffs will be intense if they miss out again in 2026. Ownership may be forced to make tough decisions about the team's direction if it underperforms next season.

The details

The Lions went 9-8 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Injuries and defensive struggles contributed to their downfall, including a stunning Week 17 loss to the Vikings that sealed their fate. There have been reports of a rift between Holmes and Campbell, though both have denied it. Longtime Detroit sports insider Matt Shepard speculated that the duo could be 'hot seat' candidates if the 2026 season goes poorly.

  • The Lions failed to make the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season.
  • The Lions last made the playoffs in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The players

Brad Holmes

The Detroit Lions' general manager who has helped lead the team to its greatest success in several decades.

Dan Campbell

The Detroit Lions' head coach who has worked alongside GM Brad Holmes.

Matt Shepard

A longtime Detroit sports insider and co-host on the Woodward Sports Network.

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What they’re saying

“Most people believe this team underachieved a year ago. And now, perhaps for the first time, he and his general manager are being linked together as possible hot seat performers – if not this year, the following year.”

— Matt Shepard, Longtime Detroit sports insider

“I knew what we needed to do on the offensive line. We were all very aware of what we were going to do on the offensive line. And so once we made those financial commitments on the offensive line, I pretty much had a good sense that I don't think that we're going to be able to do much else when it comes to that (EDGE) position.”

— Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions General Manager

What’s next

The Lions' performance in the 2026 NFL season will be crucial in determining the futures of GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell. If the team fails to return to the playoffs, ownership may be forced to make changes to the team's leadership.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions are facing high expectations after making the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, and a failure to return to the postseason in 2026 could put the jobs of GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell in jeopardy. This highlights the pressure on the team's leadership to continue the franchise's recent success.