Dan Campbell claims Lions' Super Bowl window is still open after divisional round loss vs Commanders

Change is inevitable in the NFL and Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell felt how quickly it comes at you. A week ago, the Detroit Lions were preparing for their home divisional-round game against the Washington Commanders after an NFC-best regular-season 15-2 performance.

Since then, the Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs and Campbell has lost his offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to NFC North rivals Chicago Bears. They could also lose defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who reportedly recently completed a second interview for the head coach position with the New York Jets.

Dan Campbell on Monday said the Lions’ championship window is still open:

"That core group is still intact and some of these guys are now — we’ve signed some back, some are up on contracts and that’ll be ongoing. But yeah, we absolutely do (have a window to contend still).

"And I think the most important thing is ... you’ve got your culture, you’ve got your identity and you’ve got players that fit into that, and we’ve got that. We’ve got players in every pivotal position you can ask for to have success. And those guys are made the right way, so absolutely, our window is open.”

When asked about what transpired in the loss to Commanders, Campbell chalked it up to the turnovers.

"The guys played hard, it wasn’t the attitude, it wasn’t the effort. It was just the little things. I mean, shoot, man, five turnovers, it’s like, ‘Wow.’ If we only turn it over three, we may have a chance."

Dan Campbell also heaped praise the Commanders for their performance:

"We got to where we wanted to get to and then we did not perform. And, man, credit Washington, they did what they needed to do, and they played a good game.

"But a little bit for us, when you feel like, ‘Hey, you got to bring your A-game.’ I think if we bring our B-game, we’ve got a chance to win that game and we didn’t bring that."

Dan Campbell is ready to get back into action

While frustration must be running high for Dan Campbell and his team, there's no option but to look ahead. The Lions proved in the regular season that they have the pieces to conteend for a title, and they likely will next season. Campbell added:

"So, that’s just a little bit of the — that’s the frustration. I know everybody’s frustrated, I know the fans are, certainly our team, coaches, everybody in the organization.

"I’m back on my feet, ready to roll, and I’ve acknowledged, I can look in the mirror and say, ‘You know what, you failed, man. What are you going to do about it?’ So, that’s where we’re at, and move forward, man"

The Lions will have the offseason to recuperate their banged-up defense, including start pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. They will also have to consider free agency decisions on pending agents like cornerback Carlton Davis III and offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler.

Fortunately for Dan Campbell and the Lions, the nucleus of the team remains intact. Quarterback Jared Goff, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, all-pro offensive lineman Penei Sewell, and running back duo David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are all signed till 2027 at least.