Dan Campbell Reflects on Offseason and 2025 Outlook at NFL Owners Meetings
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell sat down for a one-on-one conversation during the NFL Owners Meetings in Florida, where he reflected on a pivotal offseason and shared his vision for the upcoming 2025 season.
Campbell addressed the sting of last season’s playoff disappointment, a Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders despite entering the postseason as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. “It’s disappointing, and it hurts — but it motivates you,” he said. “You either win the Super Bowl or you’re back in line trying to win it next year, and that’s where we are.”
With both coordinators departing, Campbell oversaw significant changes to his coaching staff. Former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator, bringing a sense of continuity and trust to the defensive side of the ball. “Shep is going to crush it,” Campbell said. “He knows the players, and they believe in him.”
On offense, John Morton was named the new offensive coordinator. A familiar face in Allen Park, Morton previously served as senior offensive assistant in 2022 and worked with Campbell during their time with the New Orleans Saints. “He knows Goff, Saint, Sewell, Frank — there’s already a strong foundation,” Campbell said. “He helped build this thing from the beginning.”
Another key hire is David Shaw, former Stanford head coach, who will step in as the Lions’ new passing game coordinator. Shaw and Morton previously coached together under Jon Gruden, adding further experience and cohesion to the offensive brain trust.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Campbell emphasized the importance of mindset and hunger following last year’s near-miss. “Are you still hungry? Or are you tired of taking the hits?” he asked. “That’s the challenge for this team — to want it just as badly and finish the job.”
With most free-agent moves completed and the NFL Draft just weeks away, Campbell and the Lions are focused on refining their roster and preparing for another Super Bowl push.
