History of Dan Campbell in Timeline
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.
1962: Lions best start since 1962
Under coach Dan Campbell, in 2023 the Lions had their best start since 1962.
April 13, 1976: Dan Campbell's Birth
On April 13, 1976, Daniel Allen Campbell was born. He would later become a professional football coach and former tight end.
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.
2004: Injured and Placed on Injured Reserve
In 2004, Dan Campbell only played in three games for the Dallas Cowboys due to torn ligaments in his foot and was placed on injured reserve on September 30.
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.
September 22, 2007: Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 22, 2007, Dan Campbell was placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury while playing for the Detroit Lions.
September 9, 2008: Placed on Injured Reserve Again
On September 9, 2008, Dan Campbell was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury while playing for the Detroit Lions.
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: Joining Packers in NFL History
Following their loss on January 18, 2025, the Lions joined the 2011 Green Bay Packers as only the second team in NFL history to win 15 games and lose their first playoff game.
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.
January 14, 2024: Lions Secure First Playoff Win Since 1991
On January 14, 2024, Dan Campbell coached the Lions to a 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, marking their first playoff win since 1991.
2024: Family Update
As of 2024, Dan Campbell's son, Cody, is in a master's program, and their daughter, Piper, is in high school.
January 18, 2025: Lions Upset by Commanders in Playoffs
On January 18, 2025, Dan Campbell's Lions were upset 45-31 by the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, despite being heavy favorites.
