Even though the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL campaign ended in frustration, there’s no denying that head coach Dan Campbell put in relentless effort throughout the season. Few people understand the true demands of his job better than his wife, Holly Campbell, who recently shed light on the unseen sacrifices that come with leading an NFL team.

Speaking on the Sunday Sports Club podcast, Holly discussed the intense mental strain coaches endure—something fans rarely notice. She revealed that Campbell often works such long hours that he has a makeshift sleeping space tucked away in his office.

“There’s a kind of exhaustion that isn’t physical but mental,” she explained. “Dan actually has a little bed hidden in a closet off his office. It’s basically a twin mattress shoved against the wall. It’s dark, cramped, and honestly kind of sad—but that’s the reality.”

Holly added that during particularly demanding stretches of the season, her husband sometimes stays overnight at the Lions’ Allen Park facility multiple times a week.

“There are nights when he’ll just stay there,” she said. “Part of it is safety—I worry about him driving home exhausted. That’s a long commute, and saving that time can make a difference. Some weeks he stays there two or three nights, and other weeks not at all. It really depends on how intense things are.”

Campbell Harshly Critiques His Own 2025 Performance

At his season-ending press conference, Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat his assessment of the Lions’ year—or his own role in it. After taking on offensive play-calling duties for much of the season, he felt the team fell well short of expectations.

“We didn’t make the playoffs, and that’s on us,” Campbell said. “That’s underachieving. I’d give myself an F, no question.”

He also acknowledged how painful it would be to watch other teams compete in the postseason.

“It’s going to hurt seeing those games,” he admitted. “But you have to watch them. That pain should fuel you—it reminds you where you want to be.”

Rekindling the Lions’ Competitive Fire

Despite the disappointment, Campbell remains confident that the Lions aren’t far from getting back on track. He believes the key lies in restoring the edge and urgency that previously helped Detroit dominate the NFC North.

“We’re not pointing fingers,” he said. “We did this to ourselves. But I truly don’t think we’re far off. We just need to get that hunger back. Whether it’s returning players or new additions, we’re going to bring in competition and go after it.”