The Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2025 season with a gritty 19–16 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, finishing the year at 9–8. Even though Detroit missed the playoffs, one year after going 15–2, head coach Dan Campbell said he was proud of how his team showed up, fought, and finished the year the right way.
After the game, Campbell met with reporters and opened up about the win, the team’s mindset, complimentary football, leadership inside the locker room, and why he still believes strongly in the Lions’ core.
Here is everything Dan Campbell said after the Lions’ Week 18 win over the Bears, cleaned up for clarity.
Dan Campbell on Finishing the Season With a Win
“Good win by the guys. Proud of them. That’s the way to finish.
I didn’t expect anything different out of them, just knowing the guys that we have. But I’m still proud of them because it’s not always the easiest thing — you get eliminated, you’re back out in the elements, playing a team that’s already clinched.
But our guys fought from the beginning. Even when they came back — we were up two scores — our guys didn’t bat an eye.
We were able to finish it out, and it was really one of the best games we’ve played in terms of complimentary football. A lot of really good performances by a lot of guys.”
On Shutting Down Chicago’s Run Game
“That was big. It’s always an emphasis during the week, but we knew that’s what you have to do to control that offense — you have to stop the run.
We kind of opened it up with the pass game early, and then once we did, some of the perimeter runs really started busting open. The O-line did a good job.
I’m really proud of Decker and Graham. Hubbard — getting his first start in a while off the practice squad — I thought he did some really good things. The O-line in general really showed up for us today.”
On the Defense Setting the Tone Early
“We were able to get off the field. They didn’t get those explosive runs. Maybe a seven-yard gain here or there, but then we’d get two more stops and force a punt.
The three-and-outs were big. And then we controlled it on offense — long drives, clock control.
You’ve got to turn some of those into touchdowns, but when the other team can’t stay on the field, it makes it hard on their play caller. That was big for our defense — they really set the tone for the day. Complimentay football.”
On the Offense Controlling the Clock
“Third down was really good for us. Protection was great, and Goff was on it — pocket presence, awareness, getting rid of the ball, knowing where to go, processing everything.
Our playmakers made plays — Leaf, Jamo, Saint was huge again (when is he not?), Gibbs, even FK. We spread it around and Goff found them. It was a good job.”
On Whether Finishing on a High Note Carries Into Next Season
“I believe things happen for a reason — right, wrong, or indifferent. When something like this happens, I believe it’s going to be for the best.
It’s up to Brad and I to make it for the best — and the guys we know we’re going to count on that are on this team.
As good as it feels to get that win, let’s call it what it is — I’ve been pretty pissed all week. It’s a bad feeling. We’re going to be sitting at home watching everyone else in the playoffs.
That fuels you. We don’t want to be in that spot again next year. You’ve got to get in.”
“When we needed it most, all three phases showed up. We controlled time of possession, had long drives, and when something bad happened on offense, the defense stepped up with a takeaway or a big stop.
When we got scored on, the offense went right back down the field.
That last sequence — turnover, defense forces a punt, Goff hits Saint for a huge play, we pop some runs, get into field-goal range, and Bates steps up and nails it.
That’s what winning teams do — and we hadn’t had that in a while.”
On What the Game Revealed About the Team
“I think it reaffirmed what I already believed. The guys I knew we could count on — they showed up again.
I still believe the nucleus of this team is right. But we’re going to need to make a few changes. That’ll be collective — we’ll have to work through some things to get the best version of ourselves.”
On Facing Former Lions Coaches on the Opposing Sideline
“I’ve been so locked in on getting our guys ready, I didn’t really think much about it.
I wish those guys well. I respect the hell out of them — they’re good coaches, good men.”
Jeff Bilbrey
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