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Dan Campbell

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For other people named Dan Campbell, see Daniel Campbell.

Dan Campbell
refer to caption
Campbell as Detroit Lions head coach, 2022
Detroit Lions
Position:Head coach
Personal information
Born: (1976-04-13) April 13, 1976 (age 48)
Clifton, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High school:Glen Rose (Glen Rose, Texas)
College:Texas A&M (1995–1998)
NFL draft:1999 / round: 3 / pick: 79
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:91
Receiving yards:934
Receiving touchdowns:11
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Head coaching record
Regular season:41–35–1 (.539)
Postseason:2–1 (.667)
Career:43–36–1 (.544)
Record at Pro Football Reference

Daniel Allen Campbell (born April 13, 1976) is an American professional football coach and former tight end who is the head coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for 11 seasons. Campbell played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies and was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Lions.

After retiring as a player, Campbell pursued a coaching career and held his first head coaching position as the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2015. He was named the head coach of the Lions in 2021. In 2023, Campbell led the Lions to their first division title since 1993, their first playoff win since 1991, and their second ever NFC Championship Game appearance.

Early life

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Campbell was born in Clifton, Texas, and attended Glen Rose High School, where he was a tailback and tight end.[1][2]

College career

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Campbell accepted a football scholarship from Texas A&M University.[3][4] In his last two seasons, he shared the tight end position with Derrick Spiller. As a junior, he posted 12 receptions for 143 yards (11.9-yard average) and two touchdowns.

He recorded 7 receptions for 68 yards, one touchdown and 3 special teams tackles.[5]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 5+1⁄4 in
(1.96 m) 		263 lb
(119 kg) 		31 in
(0.79 m) 		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 4.83 s 1.63 s 2.76 s 4.07 s 7.00 s 36.0 in
(0.91 m)		 10 ft 1 in
(3.07 m)		 25 reps
All values from NFL Combine[6]

New York Giants

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Campbell was selected by the New York Giants in the third round (79th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft.[7] In 2000, he started four games and was a part of the team that appeared in Super Bowl XXXV.[8][9] In 2001, he became the team's regular starting tight end after passing Howard Cross on the depth chart and was mainly used as a blocking tight end.

Dallas Cowboys

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Campbell was one of the first free agents to sign with the Dallas Cowboys after Bill Parcells was named the head coach in 2003. He quickly became a team leader and although Jason Witten emerged as the main tight end, Campbell still served as a mentor and remained a key blocker on the offensive line.[10]

In 2004, he only played in three games because of torn ligaments in his foot and was placed on the injured reserve list on September 30.

In 2005, he recovered from an appendectomy on July 27, missing only 10 days of practice and returned to start all four preseason games.[11] The team employed two-tight end sets, which allowed him to start 12 games alongside Witten.[12][13]

Detroit Lions

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On March 14, 2006, Campbell was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions. Known mostly as a blocking tight end, he posted career-highs in receiving yards (308), average per reception (14.7 avg), long reception (30 yards), and touchdowns (four), the most[clarification needed] by a Lions tight end since 2001.[14]

On September 22, 2007, he was placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury.[15] On September 9, 2008, he was again placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.[16] He was released on February 9, 2009.[17]

New Orleans Saints

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On February 26, 2009, Campbell signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with head coach Sean Payton, who was his offensive coordinator with the Cowboys and the Giants. On August 10, he was placed on injured reserve with an MCL injury he suffered in training camp.[18] He spent the entire season on injured reserve and was not granted a Super Bowl ring by the team when they won Super Bowl XLIV.[19]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
1999 NYG 12 1 — — — — — 0 0
2000 NYG 16 5 8 46 5.8 13 3 1 1
2001 NYG 16 12 13 148 11.4 25 1 0 0
2002 NYG 16 16 22 175 8.0 27 1 0 0
2003 DAL 16 15 20 195 9.8 23 1 0 0
2004 DAL 3 2 2 16 8.0 9 0 0 0
2005 DAL 16 12 3 24 8.0 18 1 0 0
2006 DET 16 11 21 308 14.7 30 4 0 0
2007 DET 2 1 1 1 1.0 1 0 0 0
2008 DET 1 0 1 21 21.0 21 0 0 0
Career 114 76 91 934 10.3 30 11 1 1

Coaching career

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Miami Dolphins

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In 2010, Campbell began his coaching career when he was hired by the Miami Dolphins as a coaching intern.[20] In 2011, Campbell was promoted to the tight ends coach.[21] Following the firing of the Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin on October 5, 2015, after a 1–3 start, Campbell was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2015 season.[22] Campbell led the team to five wins and seven losses.[23] Ultimately, the Dolphins hired Adam Gase over him.[24]

New Orleans Saints

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In January 2016, Campbell was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their assistant head coach and tight ends coach under head coach Sean Payton.[25]

Detroit Lions

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Campbell was appointed head coach of the Detroit Lions on January 20, 2021.[26] In his introductory press conference the following day, he said, "This team is going to take on the identity of this city, and this city's been down and it's found a way to get up. This team's going to be built on, we're going to kick you in the teeth....We're gonna get knocked down and on the way up, we're going to bite a kneecap off....Before long we're going to be the last one standing. Any loss that we take, we're going to feel the full pain from it and not be numb to it."[27] With the Lions, Campbell has been known for his high level of energy, aggressive play calling, and interactions with the media.[28][29][30][31]

2021 season

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After starting the season 0–10–1, which included a 16–16 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9,[32] Campbell and the Lions recorded their first victory of the season in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings, winning 29–27 with quarterback Jared Goff throwing the game-winning touchdown to rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown as time expired.[33][34] After winning three of their final six games, Campbell finished his first season with a 3–13–1 record.[35]

2022 season

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After a 1–6 start, Campbell and the Lions had a mid-season turnaround, winning eight of their next ten games to finish the season with a 9–8 record, remaining in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season, when they were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks defeating the Rams.[36][37] The Lions clinched their first winning season since 2017 after a win and divisional sweep over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, knocking the Packers out of the playoffs. However, they themselves had been knocked out of playoff contention earlier in the day when the Seahawks won their final game of the season, and with it the tiebreaker over the Lions.[38]

2023 season

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Campbell and the Lions raced out to an 8–2 start, their best since 1962.[39] A win over the Minnesota Vikings gave the Lions their first division title in 30 years, and also assured them of their first home playoff game since then.[40][41] They ultimately finished 12–5, tying a franchise record for regular season wins. On January 14, 2024, the Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams 24–23 to secure their first playoff win since 1991.[42] The Lions continued their playoff run on January 21 with a divisional 31–23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first time they had won multiple playoff games since the NFL-AFL merger.[43] In the Lions' first NFC Championship Game appearance in 32 years, they lost by a score of 31–34 to the San Francisco 49ers, surrendering a 24–7 halftime lead. Following the game, Campbell was criticized for being too aggressive in his play-calling, which included him attempting to convert two 4th downs in field goal range and failing to convert both of them. He was also criticized for calling a running play with 1:05 left down 10 points which failed, causing him to have to use a timeout which necessitated an onside kick attempt.[44]

Head coaching record

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Team Year Regular season Post season
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
MIA 2015* 5 7 0 .417 4th in AFC East — — — —
MIA Total 5 7 0 .417 0 0 .000
DET 2021 3 13 1 .206 4th in NFC North — — — —
DET 2022 9 8 0 .529 2nd in NFC North — — — —
DET 2023 12 5 0 .706 1st in NFC North 2 1 .667 Lost to San Francisco 49ers in NFC Championship Game
DET 2024 12 2 0 .857 — —
DET total 36 28 1 .562 2 1 .667
Total 41 35 1 .539 2 1 .667

*Interim head coach

Personal life

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Campbell married his wife, Holly, in 1999. They have two children: Son Cody, who as of 2024 is in a Master's program, and daughter Piper, who as of 2024 is in High School.[45][46]

Campbell is a noted fan of Metallica, and during his time at Texas A&M, he was nicknamed "Dantallica" by his roommate Shane Lechler. He also enjoys country music and classic rock.[47][48] During his playing career, he was nicknamed "The Dude," due to his resemblance to Jeff Bridges' character in The Big Lebowski.[49] Upon joining the Detroit Lions as head coach, he gained the nickname "MC/DC" by Pat McAfee on his daily radio show. The nickname, a play on AC/DC, is short for Motor City Dan Campbell. Some newer fans that have noticed his desire to be a risk taker have taken to calling him "Ramblin' Gamblin' Dan Campbell".[50]

References

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  1. ^ Javad, Jonah (October 20, 2022). "Dan Campbell, pride of Glen Rose, to face Dallas Cowboys for 1st time as head coach". WFAA. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  2. ^ Lage, Larry (July 29, 2021). "Lions coach Dan Campbell was sleepless before 1st practice". AP News. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  3. ^ Rogers, Justin (October 13, 2021). "From Texas A&M to Miami, coaching paths cross again for Dan Campbell, Zac Taylor". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  4. ^ "Texas A&M alum Dan Campbell named head coach for the Detroit Lions". Saturday Down South. January 20, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  5. ^ "The top players in this weekend's NFL..." Chicago Tribune. April 18, 1999. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  6. ^ "1999 Draft Scout Dan Campbell, Texas A&M NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  7. ^ "1999 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  8. ^ "Dan Campbell 2000 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "2000 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  10. ^ Walker, James (October 9, 2015). "Jason Witten: Dolphins coach Dan Campbell 'tough guy' and 'leader'". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  11. ^ "Spears has sprained knee and ankle, pulled groin". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 6, 2005. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  12. ^ "2005 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  13. ^ "2005 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  14. ^ "Dan Campbell 2006 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  15. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (September 23, 2007). "Injury sidelines Lions starting tight end Campbell for '07 season". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  16. ^ Yuille, Sean (September 9, 2008). "Lions Move Dan Campbell to IR, Sign Brandon Middleton". Pride Of Detroit. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  17. ^ "2009 Detroit Lions Transactions". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  18. ^ Armstrong, Jennifer (August 11, 2009). "New Orleans Saints place tight end Dan Campbell on injured reserve". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  19. ^ Duncan, Jeff (June 20, 2010). "New Orleans Saints, general manager Mickey Loomis forced to make tough calls handing out Super Bowl rings". NOLA.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  20. ^ Berreman, Brad (June 8, 2023). "Dan Campbell nearly got Dolphins full-time head coaching job after interim stint". SideLion Report. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  21. ^ Woodyard, Eric (December 14, 2022). "'It was like love at first sight': Six stories that explain Lions coach Dan Campbell". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  22. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (October 5, 2015). "Miami Dolphins fire coach Joe Philbin". NFL.com. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  23. ^ Beasley, Adam H. (January 3, 2016). "Frustrated interim coach Dan Campbell learns from mistakes as Miami Dolphins season comes to close". Miami Herald. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  24. ^ Dan Campbell leaving the Dolphins after being passed over for head coaching gig, SB Nation, January 12, 2016
  25. ^ Perkins, Chris (January 13, 2016). "Ex-Dolphins coach Dan Campbell to join New Orleans Saints". Sun-Sentinel. South Florida. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  26. ^ "Lions agree to terms with Dan Campbell to become team's new head coach". Detroit Lions. January 20, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  27. ^ Crawford, Kirkland (January 21, 2021). "Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell: News conference has everyone ready to run through a wall". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  28. ^ Maakaron, John (January 21, 2023). "On This Date: Dan Campbell Gives Memorable 'Kneecap' Speech". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  29. ^ McCarriston, Shanna (September 30, 2023). "Lions' Dan Campbell provides yet another memorable quote following Detroit's impressive win vs. Packers". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  30. ^ Schwab, Frank (August 9, 2023). "Once again, bettors love Lions' Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  31. ^ Meinke, Kyle (September 11, 2023). "Ever wonder where Dan Campbell's aggressiveness comes from? Here you go". mlive. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  32. ^ Graves, Will (November 14, 2021). "Comedy of errors as Steelers, Lions slog to 16–16 tie". AP News. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  33. ^ Breech, John (December 7, 2021). "NFL Week 13 grades: Lions get an 'A' for shocking first win of the season, Patriots get 'A-' for wild win". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  34. ^ Goessling, Ben (December 6, 2021). "Needing one last stop, the Vikings allow the Lions to win, at last". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 30, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  35. ^ "2021 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  36. ^ "2022 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  37. ^ Birkett, Dave (January 8, 2023). "Detroit Lions eliminated from NFL playoffs after Seahawks clip Rams in epic OT game". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  38. ^ Megargee, Steve (January 9, 2023). "Rodgers, Packers lose 20–16 to Lions, miss playoffs". AP News. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  39. ^ Maakaron, John (November 19, 2023). "Lions Have Started NFL Season 8-2 for First Time since 1962". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  40. ^ Ramsey, Jared (December 24, 2023). "Detroit Lions players, fans go wild for first division title in 30 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  41. ^ Meinke, Kyle (December 24, 2023). "Instant observations: Lions win first NFC North crown, bring playoffs to Ford Field". MLive.com. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  42. ^ Cooper, Mark (January 14, 2024). "How the Lions beat the Rams to snap a 32-year playoff win drought and spoil Matthew Stafford's return". The Athletic. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  43. ^ Lage, Larry (January 22, 2024). "Jared Goff throws 2 TD passes, Lions advance to NFC title game with 31-23 win over Buccaneers". AP News. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  44. ^ Ramsey, Jared (January 29, 2024). "Dan Campbell's 4th down decisions for Lions have NFL media fired up". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  45. ^ https://people.com/who-is-holly-campbell-dan-campbell-wife-8546694
  46. ^ Crawford, Kirkland (January 21, 2021). "Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell: Full text of opening statement heard 'round the world". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  47. ^ Ganguli, Tania (October 22, 2015). "Texans' Shane Lechler, Miami interim coach Dan Campbell lifelong friends". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  48. ^ Walker, James (October 23, 2015). "Dolphins coach Dan Campbell explains strong affinity for Metallica". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  49. ^ Rothstein, Michael (January 21, 2021). "Dan Campbell references kneecap biting, 'The Big Lebowski' in entertaining introduction as Detroit Lions coach". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  50. ^ Rogers, Justin (March 3, 2021). "Lions' Dan Campbell joins Pat McAfee Show to talk past mistakes, why this will be different". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
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