Dan Orlovsky Admits NFL Coach Was Caught Sleeping During Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 2:07 PM ET

While on ESPN Radio this Thursday, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky shared a pretty embarrassing story from his time with the Detroit Lions.

Orlovsky played in the NFL from 2005-2017, completing 58.2% of his passes for 3,132 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He started games for the Colts and Lions, finishing his career with a 2-10 record.

During his appearance on "Unsportsmanlike" this morning, Orlovsky revealed that one of his offensive coordinators fell asleep mid-game when he was on the Lions.

"We had a moment, honest to God, true story, zero exaggeration, where there was a change of possession. Punt, commercial, we come out of the commercial, the play clock is starting, and I'm waiting for the play call, and all I'm hearing is [a snoring noise]," Orlovsky said, via OutKick. "The coach, our play-caller, our offensive coordinator, fell asleep in the middle of the game and didn't get a call in."

Unfortunately for NFL fans, Orlovsky didn't mention the offensive coordinator by name.

When Orlovsky was on the Lions from 2005-2008, he had Greg Olson, Ted Tollner, Mike Martz and Jim Colletto as his offensive play-callers. When he returned to Detroit in 2014, he had Jim Bob Cooter and Joe Lombardi as his offensive coordinators.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: ESPN commentator Dan Orlovsky looks on prior to a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)Ian Maule/Getty Images

Not the same old Lions.

Luckily for Lions fans, the days of the team going under .500 and being an afterthought in the NFC are over.

Dan Campbell has a 48-36-1 record as the head coach of the Lions. He's a season removed from going 15-2 in the regular season. Back in 2023, his squad blew a 24-7 lead in the NFC Championship.

If Detroit's front office makes the right moves this offseason, the Lions should be back in the playoffs next year. All we know for sure is they won't have an offensive coordinator snoozing on the headset mid-game.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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