Dan Campbell has been on a roller coaster ride since becoming the Detroit Lions head coach.
There have been some lows and plenty of highs throughout his tenure, even if the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl has proven to be elusive. Campbell helped the Lions shed the loser label, establishing the team as a gritty contender ever since his famous "kneecaps" speech.
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Even for someone with a tough exterior, the emotional toll of an NFL season can be taxing. Campbell was asked by reporters on June 16 how he handles that and prevents burnout before turning the page to a new season.
“I just burn to ashes and come back up," Campbell joked.
It was an on-brand answer for the coach, who has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Campbell didn't leave it there though, opting for a more in-depth response after that.
“I try to be mindful of that," Campbell said. "I try to get the work done, but also be smart, as smart as I can in the offseason. I feel like every year, you're a little bit more in tune with that and yourself. I'm not perfect about it.
"You know, this job is consuming. But I love it. We love it. I mean, I'm sure most coaches would tell you that. It's addictive. It's consuming and so that's where you got to be careful but I'll have a chance to step away for a minute and get out and be ready to go.”
Luckily for Campbell, he had some extra time to prepare for the 2026 season.
After back-to-back trips to the playoffs, the Lions watched the postseason from home after the 2025 regular season. Detroit finished with a 9-8 record in a season that was marked by injuries and a transition following the loss of both coordinators last offseason.
Returning to the top won't be easy in a loaded NFC North that continues to improve. The Chicago Bears made their triumphant return to the postseason in place of the Lions, while the Green Bay Packers remain steady, and the Minnesota Vikings try to right the ship.
The Lions might not be favorites, but they will be rested and ready to go.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Campbell on coaching fatigue: 'I just burn to ashes and come back up'