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 current head coach of the Detroit Lions, known for his passionate and aggressive coaching style. He had an 11-year NFL playing career as a tight end after being drafted by the New York Giants in 1999. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and, interestingly, the Detroit Lions before transitioning into coaching. Prior to his NFL career, Campbell played college football at Texas A&M.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1962: Best Start Since 1962

Campbell and the Lions raced out to an 8-2 start, their best since 1962.

1991: Detroit Lions Last Playoff Win

Dan Campbell led the Lions to their first playoff win since 1991, ending a 32 year drought

1991: Lions First Playoff Win Since 1991

On January 14, 2024, the Lions beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-23 to secure their first playoff win since 1991.

1993: Detroit Lions Last Division Title

Dan Campbell led the Lions to their first division title since 1993, ending a 30 year drought

1999: Drafted by the New York Giants

In 1999, Dan Campbell was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round.

2000: Fourth Highest Point Differential Since 2000

During the season, the Lions recorded the 4th highest point differential since 2000 at 222.

2000: Super Bowl XXXV Appearance

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

2001: Regular Starting Tight End

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

2001: Most Touchdowns By Lions Tight End Since 2001

In 2006, Dan Campbell reached career-highs, including the most touchdowns by a Lions tight end since 2001.

2003: Signed with the Dallas Cowboys

In 2003, Dan Campbell signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent and became a team leader, mentoring Jason Witten.

March 14, 2006: Signed with the Detroit Lions

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

February 9, 2009: Released by the Lions

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

February 26, 2009: Signed with the New Orleans Saints

On February 26, 2009, Dan Campbell signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with Sean Payton.

2010: Hired by the Miami Dolphins as a Coaching Intern

In 2010, Dan Campbell began his coaching career with 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

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

2015: Finished Top 10 in Defense for the First Time Since 2015

During the season, the Lions finished Top 10 in defense for the first time since 2015.

2015: Interim Head Coach for 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 the New Orleans Saints

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

2017: Detroit Lions Last Winning Season

After a mid-season turnaround, the Lions clinched their first winning season since 2017.

January 20, 2021: Appointed Head Coach of the Detroit Lions

On January 20, 2021, Dan Campbell was appointed head coach of the Detroit Lions. In his introductory press conference he delivered a memorable speech.

2021: Named Head Coach of the Detroit Lions

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

2023: Lions Division Title

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