After setting a franchise-record 15 wins in a single season and entering the playoffs as top contenders for their first Super Bowl appearance, the Lions’ hopes were dashed in a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.
As reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Hamp sent a message to season ticket holders on Tuesday.
“This is not the letter I was hoping to write to you this year. It’s not the ending we wanted or were expecting,” Hamp wrote. “The fact of the matter is this: we had a great year, a record-setting season but fell short of our ultimate goal.”
Hamp expressed gratitude to fans for creating “a legitimate home field advantage” at Ford Field and acknowledged that their unwavering support “continues to fuel us toward bigger things.”
“I am proud of the year we had. I am proud of our players, our coaches, our personnel department and our entire staff, because at the Lions we live the One Pride concept and truly win and lose together,” Hamp stated. “I know this weekend was difficult and the next few weeks will be hard to watch as other teams walk the path we envisioned, but please know that we have never been more motivated.”
Hamp also admitted the team would undergo changes heading into the next season. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has accepted the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is also a candidate for head coaching roles.
“I know the future will look different and the team that brought us so much success this year will never be together again,” Hamp acknowledged. “Pieces will change, but we are confident in where we are going and more aligned than ever as to how we get there.”
Hamp reiterated her long-term vision of building a consistent contender. The Lions have now achieved back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 1993 and 1994 and have repeated as division champions for the first time in the Super Bowl era.
“One of the goals I set for our franchise was to create sustained success. The last two years have started that process,” Hamp explained. “Back-to-back NFC North Division Championships and home playoff appearances are the type of successes that we envisioned, and we are on the path to continuing that.”
