Life as an NFL head coach goes far beyond game days and press conferences—it’s an all-consuming routine that leaves little room for rest. According to Holly Campbell, the wife of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, the job demands constant sacrifice, relentless hours, and a level of mental fatigue most fans never see.

During a recent appearance on the Sunday Sports Club podcast, Holly opened up about what her husband’s schedule really looks like during the season, offering a candid glimpse into the grind behind the scenes.

She explained that while the physical strain might not always be obvious, the mental exhaustion is impossible to miss. Coaches, she said, are constantly drained. In Dan’s case, that fatigue has led to a rather bleak sleeping arrangement at the Lions’ Allen Park facility—a small, dark space tucked away off his office with a twin mattress shoved into what’s essentially a closet.

As surprising as it sounds, that setup isn’t just for show.

Holly revealed that there are times when Dan doesn’t come home at all. Long days can turn into overnight stays, especially when leaving late at night means risking an exhausted drive home. The commute alone can take close to 40 minutes each way, and staying at the facility can save valuable time that would otherwise be lost on the road.

Although Dan prefers sleeping at home, there are weeks when the workload forces him to stay at the team headquarters multiple nights. Other weeks, he doesn’t stay there at all—it all depends on how demanding things are at the moment.

The pressure intensifies during short weeks, particularly when Thursday night games compress the entire preparation process. Coaches are often finishing breakdowns of the previous game while already deep into planning for the next opponent.

That kind of schedule can lead to shockingly early mornings.

Holly recalled a recent night when Dan mentioned he’d need to head in early the next day. She didn’t think much of it—until his alarm sounded at 3:30 a.m. There was no easing into the morning, no coffee ritual, no delay. He got out of bed and was gone almost instantly. Moments later, she saw his truck lights pass by the window as he headed to work—well before dawn, at a time that barely qualifies as morning.

It’s a powerful illustration of the commitment that defines Dan Campbell’s approach as he enters his sixth season leading the Lions. The intensity fans see on Sundays reflects countless hours spent watching film, preparing game plans, and grinding through long nights—sometimes ending on a mattress hidden in a closet.

For Detroit supporters, it reinforces one thing: the team’s “grit” mentality isn’t just branding. It’s lived every single day.