Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell did not have the right personnel to contend in a tough NFC North during the 2025 season. What seemed like a promising campaign faded into a nightmare by December. Naturally, there's set to be turnover on the coaching staff, just as there will assuredly be across the roster, particularly along the offensive line, one thinks. However, it could be even more dramatic than that.
One position coach who's already announced his departure is Tyler Roehl, who made it clear why he returned to the Iowa State Cyclones, where he previously served as RB coach in 2024. His last stint was under Matt Campbell (no relation), who's since taken the Penn State Nittany Lions head coaching job. This time, Roehl is the lead play-caller under Jimmy Rogers. That's all Roehl wanted.
“This is one that’s very special to me. I want to call plays. That’s my goal,” Roehl said, via ESPN's Eric Woodyard.
That's a goal Dan Campbell denied him. In fact, Roehl faced rejection from Campbell in 2023 when he was interviewed and didn't get the job. He ultimately took a job in Detroit in 2025 and has used his time with the Lions as a springboard to advance his career.
His goal could've been different if Campbell offered it. That chance is gone, now. And Campbell may regret it.
Dan Campbell Must Nail Next OC Hire to Avoid Tyler Roehl Regrets
If Roehl thrives in his new job with the Cyclones, which is a possibility in a wide-open Big 12 with College Football's revenue-share era offering teams the chance to turn things around immediately via the transfer portal, Campbell's next hire could be under an intense microscope.
That'd be a nightmare in the Motor City if Roehl's replacement doesn't do well. As of now, the only two tight ends on Detroit's roster for 2026 are Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. With LaPorta coming off a back injury that ended his 2025 campaign, and Wright doing little to establish himself as a true weapon when given the opportunity, there will be plenty of questions facing this unit regardless of the offseason moves GM Brad Holmes elects to make.
Campbell is living with regret as we speak. His team has regressed to a regular-season exit after almost reaching the Super Bowl two years ago. Now, the pressure is on him to nail this hire and any other positions on the coaching staff that need to be filled this offseason, as offensive coordinator will likely be another big decision facing this franchise.
He can't afford too many more in 2026.