Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Campbell

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dan Campbell made an impact.

Dan Campbell is the head coach of the Detroit Lions. A former NFL tight end, he played 11 seasons after being drafted by the New York Giants in 1999. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and even the Detroit Lions. Known for his aggressive coaching style, he is currently working to rebuild the Lions franchise.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1962: Lions best start since 1962

Under coach Dan Campbell, in 2023 the Lions had their best start since 1962.

1991: Lions last playoff win

The Detroit Lions had not won a playoff game since 1991, until Dan Campbell coached them to a playoff win in 2023.

1991: Lions First Playoff Win Since 1991

The Lions did not have a playoff win since 1991, until Dan Campbell coached them to a playoff win on January 14, 2024.

1993: Lions last division title

The Detroit Lions had not won a division title since 1993, until Dan Campbell coached them to a division title in 2023.

1999: Drafted by the New York Giants

In 1999, Dan Campbell was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (79th overall) of the NFL draft.

1999: Drafted by the New York Giants and Marriage

In 1999, Dan Campbell was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL draft and he also married his wife, Holly, in 1999.

2000: Appears in Super Bowl XXXV

In 2000, Dan Campbell started four games and was a part of the New York Giants team that appeared in Super Bowl XXXV.

2001: Most Touchdowns by a Lions Tight End

Dan Campbell had the most touchdowns by a Lions tight end since 2001, when he signed with the Detroit Lions in 2006.

2001: Regular Starting Tight End for Giants

In 2001, Dan Campbell became the New York Giants' regular starting tight end, primarily used as a blocking tight end.

2003: Signs with the Dallas Cowboys

In 2003, Dan Campbell signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent and became a team leader, also serving as a mentor and key blocker.

2005: Returns After Appendectomy

In 2005, Dan Campbell recovered from an appendectomy and started all four preseason games for the Dallas Cowboys, ultimately starting 12 games during the season.

March 14, 2006: Signs with the Detroit Lions

On March 14, 2006, Dan Campbell signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent.

February 9, 2009: Released by the Detroit Lions

On February 9, 2009, Dan Campbell was released by the Detroit Lions.

February 26, 2009: Signs with the New Orleans Saints

On February 26, 2009, Dan Campbell signed with the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with coach Sean Payton.

2010: Hired as Coaching Intern for Miami Dolphins

In 2010, Dan Campbell began his coaching career when he was hired by the Miami Dolphins as a coaching intern.

2011: Promoted to Tight Ends Coach

In 2011, Dan Campbell was promoted to the tight ends coach for the Miami Dolphins.

October 5, 2015: Named Interim Head Coach of Miami Dolphins

On October 5, 2015, Dan Campbell was named the interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins after the firing of Joe Philbin.

2015: Interim Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins

In 2015, Dan Campbell became the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins, marking his first head coaching position.

January 2016: Hired by New Orleans Saints as Assistant Head Coach

In January 2016, Dan Campbell was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their assistant head coach and tight ends coach.

January 20, 2021: Appointed Head Coach of Detroit Lions

On January 20, 2021, Dan Campbell was appointed head coach of the Detroit Lions.

2021: Named Head Coach of the Detroit Lions

In 2021, Dan Campbell was named the head coach of the Detroit Lions.

2023: Leads Lions to Division Title

In 2023, Dan Campbell led the Detroit Lions to their first division title since 1993, their first playoff win since 1991, and their second NFC Championship Game appearance.