Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is known for his high-octane intensity and “kneecap-biting” philosophy on the field. However, that same relentless drive doesn’t always translate perfectly to a quiet home life. Following the Lions’ thrilling Wild Card victory over the Rams in January 2026, Campbell appeared on The Dan Patrick Show to discuss the team’s success—and the “football interference” his wife, Holly, has to deal with behind closed doors.
The conversation turned to Campbell’s inability to “switch off” even when the workday is technically over. He revealed that his commitment to the game often leads to friction in the bedroom—specifically when it comes to late-night film sessions.
“I’m sitting there, it’s 11:30 at night, I’ve got the iPad out, I’m watching the red-zone from Sunday… and she says, ‘Can you put that away? It’s 11:30,’” Campbell told Patrick, recounting a recent exchange with his wife.
The Lions coach admitted that his response probably didn’t help settle the matter. He told her, “Honey, this is what I do.”
Holly Campbell, who has been by Dan’s side throughout his transition from player to coach, apparently feels her husband needs a way to decompress that doesn’t involve a screen or a playbook. According to Dan, she has reached a breaking point with the constant sports consumption.
“She told me, ‘You need to get a hobby,’” Campbell laughed, acknowledging that his “hobby” is currently leading the Lions through one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
The exchange highlights the reality of life for NFL families, where the line between professional study and personal time is almost non-existent. For Campbell, the obsession is clearly working; the Lions have become a powerhouse in the NFC, and his players often cite his authentic, workaholic nature as a primary motivator. But for Holly, it means competing with the “red-zone” for her husband’s attention in the middle of the night.
