View source for Dan Campbell

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1976)}}
{{Other people|Dan Campbell|Daniel Campbell (disambiguation){{!}}Daniel Campbell}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name               = Dan Campbell
| image              = Rivera-Campbell-shake (cropped).jpg
| alt                =
| caption            = Campbell as [[Detroit Lions]] head coach, 2022
| current_team       = Detroit Lions
| number             = <!-- 86, 89 -->
| position           = [[Head coach]] <!-- [[Tight end]] -->
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1976|4|13|mf=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Clifton, Texas]], U.S.
| death_date         = 
| death_place        =  
| height_ft          = 6
| height_in          = 5
| weight_lbs         = 265
| high_school        = [[Glen Rose High School (Texas)|Glen Rose]] ([[Glen Rose, Texas]])
| college            = [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]] (1995–1998)
| draftyear          = 1999
| draftround         = 3
| draftpick          = 79
| pastteams          =
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|1999|2002}})
* [[Dallas Cowboys]] ({{NFL Year|2003|2005}})
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|2006|2008}})
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
| pastcoaching       =
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{nfly|2010}})<br />Coaching intern
* Miami Dolphins ({{nfly|2011|2015}})<br />Tight ends coach
* Miami Dolphins (2015)<br />Interim head coach
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{nfly|2016|2020}})<br />Assistant head coach & tight ends coach
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{nfly|2021}}–present)<br />Head coach
| highlights         =
; As a head coach
* [[NFL Coach of the Year Award#Greasy Neale Award (Maxwell Football Club)|Greasy Neale Award]] (2023)
* [[NFL Coach of the Year Award#The Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year|''The Sporting News'' NFL Coach of the Year]] (2023)
| statlabel1         = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue1         = 91
| statlabel2         = [[Receiving yards]]
| statvalue2         = 934
| statlabel3         = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue3         = 11
| coachregrecord     = {{Winning percentage|44|35|1|record=y}}
| coachplayoffrecord = {{Winning percentage|2|2|record=y}}
| coachrecord        = {{Winning percentage|46|37|1|record=y}}
| pfr                = CampDa00
| pfrcoach           = CampDa1 
}}

'''Daniel Allen Campbell''' (born April 13, 1976) is an American professional [[American football|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 football|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 [[Detroit Lions]]. He is known for his aggressive style of play-calling.

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==
Campbell was born in [[Clifton, Texas]], and attended [[Glen Rose High School (Texas)|Glen Rose High School]], where he was a [[Halfback (American football)|tailback]] and [[tight end]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Javad |first=Jonah |date=October 20, 2022 |title=Dan Campbell, pride of Glen Rose, to face Dallas Cowboys for 1st time as head coach |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nfl/dan-campbell-glen-rose-etexas/287-b7d2c9fe-aa6f-46ed-be89-fe59ed1b5c3d |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=WFAA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="q055">{{cite web |title=Lions coach Dan Campbell was sleepless before 1st practice |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-new-orleans-saints-detroit-lions-dan-campbell-5a3c5462bef9b97ea41960aee2efb5d5 |website=[[AP News]] |date=July 29, 2021 |last1=Lage |first1=Larry |access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref>

==College career==
Campbell accepted a football scholarship from [[Texas A&M University]].<ref>{{cite web |title=From Texas A&M to Miami, coaching paths cross again for Dan Campbell, Zac Taylor |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/10/13/texas-a-m-miami-coaching-paths-cross-again-dan-campbell-zac-taylor/8437939002/ |website=[[The Detroit News]] |date=October 13, 2021 |last1=Rogers |first1=Justin |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Texas A&M alum Dan Campbell named head coach for the Detroit Lions |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tamu-football/nfl-lions-detroit-dan-campbell-aggies-head-coach/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The top players in this weekend's NFL... |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-04-18-9904180214-story.html |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=April 18, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112021455/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-04-18-9904180214-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref>

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 5 1/4
|       weight = 263
|         dash = 4.83
|    ten split = 1.63
| twenty split = 2.76
|      shuttle = 4.07
|   cone drill = 7.00
|     vertical = 36.0
|     broad ft = 10
|     broad in = 1
|        bench = 25
|     arm span = 31
|    hand span = 9 1/4
|    wonderlic =
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=270&DraftYear=1999 |title=1999 Draft Scout Dan Campbell, Texas A&M NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=November 24, 2022}}</ref>
}}

===New York Giants===
Campbell was selected by the [[New York Giants]] in the third round (79th overall) of the [[1999 NFL draft]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1999 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1999/draft.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=March 28, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103003244/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1999/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2000 NFL season|2000]], he started four games and was a part of the team that appeared in [[Super Bowl XXXV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dan Campbell 2000 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampDa00/gamelog/2000/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2000 New York Giants Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2000.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=July 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731004523/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/2000.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2001 NFL season|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===
Campbell was one of the first [[free agent]]s to sign with the [[Dallas Cowboys]] after [[Bill Parcells]] was named the head coach in [[2003 NFL season|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]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=James |date=October 9, 2015 |title=Jason Witten: Dolphins coach Dan Campbell 'tough guy' and 'leader' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/17475/jason-witten-dolphins-coach-dan-campbell-a-tough-guy-and-leader |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224111202/http://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/17475/jason-witten-dolphins-coach-dan-campbell-a-tough-guy-and-leader |url-status=live }}</ref>

In [[2004 NFL season|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 NFL season|2005]], he recovered from an [[appendectomy]] on July 27, missing only 10 days of practice and returned to start all four preseason games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2005 |title=Spears has sprained knee and ankle, pulled groin |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2127158 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913000530/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2127158 |url-status=live }}</ref> The team employed two-tight end sets, which allowed him to start 12 games alongside Witten.<ref>{{cite web |title=2005 Dallas Cowboys Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2005.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203195326/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2005.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2005 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2005_roster.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Detroit Lions===
On March 14, [[2006 NFL season|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{{clarify|date=December 2022}} by a Lions tight end since [[2001 NFL season|2001]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dan Campbell 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampDa00/gamelog/2006/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

On September 22, [[2007 NFL season|2007]], he was placed on injured reserve with an [[elbow]] injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |author-link=Len Pasquarelli |date=September 23, 2007 |title=Injury sidelines Lions starting tight end Campbell for '07 season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3032327 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On September 9, [[2008 NFL season|2008]], he was again placed on injured reserve with a [[hamstring]] injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yuille |first=Sean |date=September 9, 2008 |title=Lions Move Dan Campbell to IR, Sign Brandon Middleton |url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2008/9/9/610779/lions-move-dan-campbell-to |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Pride Of Detroit |language=en}}</ref> He was released on February 9, [[2009 NFL season|2009]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Detroit Lions Transactions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/det/season/2009 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

===New Orleans Saints===
On February 26, [[2009 NFL season|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 [[Medial collateral ligament|MCL]] injury he suffered in [[training camp]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Jennifer |date=August 11, 2009 |title=New Orleans Saints place tight end Dan Campbell on injured reserve |url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2009/08/new_orleans_saints_place_tight.html |access-date=February 19, 2018 |website=The Times-Picayune |location=New Orleans |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112060942/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2009/08/new_orleans_saints_place_tight.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He spent the entire season on [[injured reserve]] and chose to spend his rehab at his home in Texas.  He was absent from all Saints games, practices, and team activities for the 2009 season after being injured, and was therefore not granted a [[Super Bowl ring]] by the team when they won [[Super Bowl XLIV]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duncan |first=Jeff |date=June 20, 2010 |title=New Orleans Saints, general manager Mickey Loomis forced to make tough calls handing out Super Bowl rings |url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/06/new_orleans_saints_general_man_7.html |access-date=January 20, 2020 |publisher=NOLA.com |archive-date=June 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621043515/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/06/new_orleans_saints_general_man_7.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=January 14, 2024 |title=Dan Campbell knows NFL playoff failure well. Here's his message for the Detroit Lions. |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/14/dan-campbell-detroit-lions-nfl-playoffs/72212020007/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press}}</ref>

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="5"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] !! [[1999 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 12 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] !! [[2000 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 16|| 5 || 8 || 46 || 5.8 || 13 || 3 || '''1'''|| '''1'''
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] !! [[2001 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 16|| 12 || 13 || 148 || 11.4 || 25 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] !! [[2002 New York Giants season|NYG]]
| 16|| 16 || '''22'''|| 175 || 8.0 || 27 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] !! [[2003 Dallas Cowboys season|DAL]]
| 16|| 15 || 20 || 195 || 9.8 || 23 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] !! [[2004 Dallas Cowboys season|DAL]]
| 3 || 2 || 2 || 16 || 8.0 || 9 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] !! [[2005 Dallas Cowboys season|DAL]]
| 16|| 12 || 3 || 24 || 8.0 || 18 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16|| 11 || 21 || '''308'''|| '''14.7'''|| '''30'''|| '''4'''|| 0 || 0
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1.0  || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 1 || 0 || 1 || 21 || 21.0 || 21 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-

! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] !! [[2009 New Orleans Saints season|NO]]
| 0 || 0 || colspan="7"| ''Did not play due to injury''
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampDa00.htm Career] !! 114 !! 76 !! 91 !! 934 !! 10.3 !! 30 !! 11 !! 1 !! 1

|}

==Coaching career==
===Miami Dolphins===
In 2010, Campbell began his coaching career when he was hired by the [[Miami Dolphins]] as a coaching intern.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berreman |first=Brad |date=June 8, 2023 |title=Dan Campbell nearly got Dolphins full-time head coaching job after interim stint |url=https://sidelionreport.com/posts/dan-campbell-nearly-got-dolphins-full-time-head-coaching-job-after-interim-stint |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=SideLion Report |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, Campbell was promoted to the tight ends coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodyard |first=Eric |date=December 14, 2022 |title='It was like love at first sight': Six stories that explain Lions coach Dan Campbell |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35239800/six-stories-explain-lions-head-coach-dan-campbell |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> 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 Miami Dolphins season|2015 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=October 5, 2015 |title=Miami Dolphins fire coach Joe Philbin |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/miami-dolphins-fire-coach-joe-philbin-0ap3000000550401 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330210600/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000550401/article/miami-dolphins-are-firing-joe-philbin |url-status=live }}</ref> Campbell led the team to five wins and seven losses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beasley |first=Adam H. |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Frustrated interim coach Dan Campbell learns from mistakes as Miami Dolphins season comes to close |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article52759865.html |access-date=February 19, 2018 |website=Miami Herald |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201080829/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article52759865.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately, the Dolphins hired [[Adam Gase]] over him.<ref>[https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/1/12/9869330/dan-campbell-leaving-miami-dolphins-adam-gase Dan Campbell leaving the Dolphins after being passed over for head coaching gig], SB Nation, January 12, 2016</ref>

===New Orleans Saints===
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]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Chris |date=January 13, 2016 |title=Ex-Dolphins coach Dan Campbell to join New Orleans Saints |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-exdolphins-coach-dan-campbell-to-join-new-orleans-saints-20160113-story.html |access-date=February 19, 2018 |website=Sun-Sentinel |location=South Florida}}</ref>

===Detroit Lions===
Campbell was appointed head coach of the [[Detroit Lions]] on January 20, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Lions agree to terms with Dan Campbell to become team's new head coach |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-agree-to-terms-with-dan-campbell-to-become-team-s-new-head-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423033400/https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-agree-to-terms-with-dan-campbell-to-become-team-s-new-head-coach |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=Detroit Lions |language=en-US}}</ref> 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 [[Patella|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."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Kirkland |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell: News conference has everyone ready to run through a wall |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/01/21/detroit-lions-dan-campbell-news-conference-fired-up-fan-base/6656924002/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Lions, Campbell has been known for his high level of energy, aggressive play calling, and interactions with the media.<ref name="u115">{{cite web | last=Maakaron | first=John | title=On This Date: Dan Campbell Gives Memorable 'Kneecap' Speech | website=Sports Illustrated | date=January 21, 2023 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/on-this-date-memorable-kneecap-speech | access-date=September 9, 2024}}</ref><ref name="b224">{{cite web | last=McCarriston | first=Shanna | title=Lions' Dan Campbell provides yet another memorable quote following Detroit's impressive win vs. Packers | website=CBSSports.com | date=September 30, 2023 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-dan-campbell-provides-yet-another-memorable-quote-following-detroits-impressive-win-vs-packers/amp/ | access-date=September 9, 2024}}</ref><ref name="u517">{{cite web | last=Schwab | first=Frank | title=Once again, bettors love Lions' Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=August 9, 2023 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-odds-once-again-bettors-love-lions-dan-campbell-for-coach-of-the-year-171532866.html | access-date=September 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meinke |first=Kyle |date=September 11, 2023 |title=Ever wonder where Dan Campbell's aggressiveness comes from? Here you go. |url=https://mlive.com/lions/2023/09/ever-wonder-where-dan-campbells-aggressiveness-comes-from-here-you-go.html |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref>

====2021 season====
After starting the season 0–10–1, which included a 16–16 [[List of NFL tied games|tie]] against the [[2021 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in Week 9,<ref>{{cite web |title=Comedy of errors as Steelers, Lions slog to 16–16 tie |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-jared-goff-mason-rudolph-detroit-lions-39625241abf28739727963746d820be9 |website=[[AP News]] |date=November 14, 2021 |last1=Graves |first1=Will |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Campbell and the Lions recorded their first victory of the season in Week 13 against the [[2021 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], winning 29–27 with quarterback [[Jared Goff]] throwing the game-winning touchdown to rookie [[Amon-Ra St. Brown]] as time expired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=December 7, 2021 |title=NFL Week 13 grades: Lions get an 'A' for shocking first win of the season, Patriots get 'A-' for wild win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-13-grades-lions-get-an-a-for-shocking-first-win-of-the-season-patriots-get-a-for-wild-win/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818144714/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-13-grades-lions-get-an-a-for-shocking-first-win-of-the-season-patriots-get-a-for-wild-win/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goessling |first=Ben |date=December 6, 2021 |title=Needing one last stop, the Vikings allow the Lions to win, at last |url=https://www.startribune.com/vikings-allow-late-touchdown-to-lose-29-27-at-detroit-the-lions-first-victory/600124080/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230042503/https://www.startribune.com/vikings-allow-late-touchdown-to-lose-29-27-at-detroit-the-lions-first-victory/600124080/ |archive-date=December 30, 2021 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> After winning three of their final six games, Campbell finished his first season with a 3–13–1 record.<ref>{{cite web |title=2021 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2021.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516221401/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2021.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2022 season====
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.  The Lions clinched their first winning season since [[2017 Detroit Lions season|2017]] after a win and divisional sweep over the [[2022 Green Bay Packers season|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 [[2022 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] defeated the [[2022 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] in their final game of the season, and with it the tiebreaker over the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Megargee |first=Steve |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Rodgers, Packers lose 20–16 to Lions, miss playoffs |url=https://apnews.com/article/green-bay-packers-seattle-seahawks-los-angeles-rams-detroit-lions-sports-666251bf430dc399920439443991f297 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2022 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2022.htm |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830182640/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2022.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=January 8, 2023 |title=Detroit Lions eliminated from NFL playoffs after Seahawks clip Rams in epic OT game |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/01/09/detroit-lions-eliminated-nfl-playoffs-seattle-seahawks-la-rams-ot/69788733007/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

====2023 season====
Campbell and the Lions raced out to an 8–2 start, their best since [[1962 Detroit Lions season|1962]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Maakaron |first1=John |title=Lions Have Started NFL Season 8–2 for First Time since 1962|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-have-started-nfl-season-8-2-for-first-time-since-1962|website=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=November 19, 2023|access-date=December 26, 2023}}</ref>  A win over the [[2023 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] gave the Lions their first division title in 30 years, and also assured them of their first home playoff game since then.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/12/24/detroit-lions-nfc-north-title-social-reactions/72025684007/ |title=Detroit Lions players, fans go wild for first division title in 30 years |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |first=Jared |last=Ramsey |date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/12/instant-observations-lions-win-first-nfc-north-crown-clinch-homefield-in-playoffs.html |title=Instant observations: Lions win first NFC North crown, bring playoffs to Ford Field |website=[[MLive.com]] |first=Kyle |last=Meinke |date=December 24, 2023 |access-date=December 26, 2023}}</ref> They ultimately finished 12–5, tying a franchise record for regular season wins. On January 14, 2024, the Lions beat the [[2023 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] 24–23 to secure their first playoff win since [[1991 Detroit Lions season|1991]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/nfl-wild-card-nfc-rams-lions-updates-playoffs/0K6XtCP9atcG/ |title=How the Lions beat the Rams to snap a 32-year playoff win drought and spoil Matthew Stafford's return |publisher=[[The Athletic]] |first=Mark |last=Cooper |date=January 14, 2024 |access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref> The Lions continued their playoff run on January 21 with a divisional 31–23 win over the [[2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], the first time they had won multiple playoff games since the [[NFL-AFL merger]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jared Goff throws 2 TD passes, Lions advance to NFC title game with 31–23 win over Buccaneers |url=https://apnews.com/article/lions-buccaneers-score-playoffs-ce78432d1b23d96ab7552efc1ab8c56a |website=[[AP News]] |date=January 22, 2024 |last1=Lage |first1=Larry |access-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123230145/https://apnews.com/article/lions-buccaneers-score-playoffs-ce78432d1b23d96ab7552efc1ab8c56a |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Lions' first [[NFC Championship Game]] appearance [[1991 Detroit Lions season|in 32 years]], they lost by a score of 31–34 to the [[2023 San Francisco 49ers season|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.<ref name="w071">{{cite web | last=Ramsey | first=Jared | title=Dan Campbell's 4th down decisions for Lions have NFL media fired up | website=Detroit Free Press | date=January 29, 2024 | url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/01/29/dan-campbell-4th-down-detroit-lions-nfc-championship-game-49ers/72394554007/ | access-date=September 9, 2024}}</ref>

====2024 season====
Campbell and the Lions continued to build on their previous success, becoming 1 of 9 teams in NFL history to win 15 or more games (the [[2024 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] doing so the same year) finishing 15–2 and setting the franchise record for regular season wins. The Lions opened the season hosting the [[2024 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] on ''Sunday Night Football'', beating them 26–20 in overtime. After a Week 2 loss to the [[2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], the Lions won 11 straight games- a franchise record- including 3 wins by 38+ points. After suffering a loss to the [[2024 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] in Week 15, the Lions finished the season on a 3 game win streak.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2024.htm |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

During the season, the Lions also set a franchise record for PPG (33.2) and finished Top 10 in defense for the first time since 2015. The Lions recorded the 4th highest point differential since 2000 at 222, behind the [[2007 New England Patriots]], the [[2019 Baltimore Ravens]], and the [[2001 St. Louis Rams]].{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

In Week 18, the Lions secured their first #1 seed in franchise history with a 31–9 win over the [[2024 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]. The Lions also swept the [[NFC North]] for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web | title=Lions Enter Playoffs Tops In The NFC For First Time With An Eye On The Super Bowl | website=[[CBS News]] | date=January 10, 2025 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/lions-enter-playoffs-tops-in-the-nfc/ | access-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref> Campbell continued his aggressive play style, having 22/33 successful fourth down attempts, and setting an NFL record with 151 total attempts across four seasons.<ref>{{cite web | last=Rogers | first=Justin | date=January 9, 2025 | title=The Lions went for it on fourth down 33 times in 2024; what was the cumulative value of those decisions?  | url=https://www.detroitfootball.net/p/the-lions-went-for-it-on-fourth-down | access-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Lage | first=Larry | date=January 9, 2025 | title=Lions coach Dan Campbell has gone for it on 4th down an NFL-record 151 times in a 4-season span | url=https://apnews.com/article/lions-nfl-playoffs-9a23feec8206a6b02e2bdaa086a062d3 | website=[[AP News]] | access-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref>

On January 18, 2025 the Lions were upset 45–31 by the [[2024 Washington Commanders season|Washington Commanders]], despite being heavy favorites, in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.<ref name="o749">{{cite web | last=Lage | first=Larry | title=Jayden Daniels and the Commanders stun the top-seeded Lions 45-31 to reach NFC title game | website=AP News | date=2025-01-19 | url=https://apnews.com/article/lions-commanders-score-nfl-playoffs-74382ca3f1bc0c69caba21e39f4787d3 | access-date=2025-02-22}}</ref> This made them only the second team in NFL history to win 15 games and lose their first playoff game, joining the [[2011 Green Bay Packers]].<ref name="c517">{{cite web | last=Schwab | first=Frank | title=Commanders-Lions: Jayden Daniels, Washington pull off one of NFL's greatest playoff upsets in 45-31 shootout win over Detroit | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2025-01-19 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/live/commanders-lions-jayden-daniels-washington-pull-off-one-of-nfls-greatest-playoff-upsets-in-45-31-shootout-win-over-detroit-000005032.html#:~:text=It's%20among%20the%20most%20stunning,than%20three%20hours%20Saturday%20night. | access-date=2025-02-22}}</ref>

==Head coaching record==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="5"|Regular season !! colspan="4"|Post season
|-
!Won !!Lost!!Ties!!Win %!!Finish!!Won!!Lost!!Win %!!Result
|-
![[2015 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]||[[2015 NFL season|2015]]*
|| 5 || 7 || 0 || {{winpct|5|7}} || 4th in AFC East || — || — || — || —
|-
!colspan="2"| MIA Total || 5 || 7 || 0 || {{winpct|5|7}} || || 0 || 0 || .000 ||
|-
![[2021 Detroit Lions season|DET]] || [[2021 NFL season|2021]]
|| 3 || 13 || 1 || {{winpct|3|13|1}} || 4th in NFC North || — || — || — || —
|-
![[2022 Detroit Lions season|DET]] || [[2022 NFL season|2022]]
|| 9 || 8 || 0 || {{winpct|9|8}} || 2nd in NFC North || — || — || — || —
|-style="background:#fdd;"
![[2023 Detroit Lions season|DET]] || [[2023 NFL season|2023]]
|| 12 || 5 || 0 || {{winpct|12|5}} || '''1st in NFC North''' || 2 || 1 || {{winpct|2|1}} || <small>'''Lost to [[San Francisco 49ers]] in [[2023–24 NFL playoffs|NFC Championship Game]]'''</small>
|-style="background:#fdd;"
![[2024 Detroit Lions season|DET]] || [[2024 NFL season|2024]]
|| 15 || 2 || 0 || {{winpct|15|2}}|| '''1st in NFC North'''  || 0 || 1 || {{winpct|0|1}} || <small>'''Lost to [[Washington Commanders]] in [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|NFC Divisional Game]]'''</small>
|-
!colspan="2"| DET total || 39 || 28 || 1 || {{winpct|39|28|1}}|| || 2 || 2 || {{winpct|2|2}} ||
|-
!colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/CampDa1.htm Total] || 44 || 35 || 1 || {{winpct|44|35|1}}|| || 2 || 2 || {{winpct|2|2}} ||
|}
<small>*Interim head coach</small>

==Personal life==
Campbell married his wife, Holly, in 1999, and they have two children. As of 2024, their son Cody is in a master's program and their daughter Piper is in high school.<ref>https://people.com/who-is-holly-campbell-dan-campbell-wife-8546694</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Kirkland |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell: Full text of opening statement heard 'round the world |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/01/21/detroit-lions-dan-campbell-news-conference-opening-statement/6662616002/ |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref>

Campbell is a noted fan of [[Metallica]], and during his time at [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]], he was nicknamed "Dantallica" by his roommate [[Shane Lechler]]. He also enjoys country music and classic rock.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganguli |first=Tania |date=October 22, 2015 |title=Texans' Shane Lechler, Miami interim coach Dan Campbell lifelong friends |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/13547/texans-punter-shane-lechler-and-dolphins-interim-coach-dan-campell-are-lifelong-friends |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=James |date=October 23, 2015 |title=Dolphins coach Dan Campbell explains strong affinity for Metallica |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/17763/dolphins-coach-dan-campbell-explains-strong-affinity-for-metallica |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> During his playing career, he was nicknamed "The Dude," due to his resemblance to [[Jeff Bridges]]' character in ''[[The Big Lebowski]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |date=January 21, 2021 |title=Dan Campbell references kneecap biting, 'The Big Lebowski' in entertaining introduction as Detroit Lions coach |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/30754199/dan-campbell-references-kneecap-biting-big-lebowski-entertaining-introduction-detroit-lions-coach |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Upon joining the [[Detroit Lions]] as head coach, he gained the nickname "MC/DC" by [[Pat McAfee]] on his [[The Pat McAfee Show|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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lions' Dan Campbell joins Pat McAfee Show to talk past mistakes, why this will be different |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/03/03/detroit-lions-dan-campbell-joins-pat-mcafee-show/6907489002/ |website=[[The Detroit News]] |date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303213422/https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/03/03/detroit-lions-dan-campbell-joins-pat-mcafee-show/6907489002/ |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |url-status=live |last1=Rogers |first1=Justin |access-date=March 13, 2021}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{Cite news |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=2025-01-15 |title=The genius of Dan Campbell: ‘He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around’ |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6047743/2025/01/15/dan-campbell-detroit-lions-coach-leader-nfl-playoffs/ |access-date=2025-02-28 |work=The Athletic}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampDa00.htm Coaching statistics] at [[Pro Football Reference]]
* [https://www.detroitlions.com/team/coaches-roster/dan-campbell Detroit Lions profile]

{{NFL head coaches}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Campbell, Dan}}
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