History of Dan Reeves in Timeline

Dan Reeves was an American NFL running back and coach with a 38-year career. He played eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He later transitioned to coaching, holding head coach positions for 23 seasons with the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. Reeves participated in nine Super Bowls as a player and coach, the third most for any individual.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

January 19, 1944: Daniel Edward Reeves Born

On January 19, 1944, Daniel Edward Reeves was born. He would later become a prominent figure in the NFL as a player and coach.

Others born on this day/year

1961: All-State Basketball Team Selection

In 1961, Dan Reeves was selected to the All-state basketball team, showcasing his athletic abilities beyond football.

1962: Starting Quarterback for South Carolina

In 1962, Dan Reeves became the starting quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks during his sophomore year.

1964: Named All-Conference

In 1964, Dan Reeves was named second-team All-conference after his senior year at the University of South Carolina.

1965: Signed by the Dallas Cowboys

In 1965, Dan Reeves signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Initially intended to play safety, he was later moved to halfback.

1966: Breakout Season with the Cowboys

In 1966, Dan Reeves had a breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team in rushing with 757 yards and scoring with 96 points. His performance helped the Cowboys reach their first championship game.

1967: Continued Success with the Cowboys

In 1967, Dan Reeves continued his success with the Dallas Cowboys, posting back-to-back seasons with more than 600 rushing yards.

1967: Played in Ice Bowl

In 1967, Dan Reeves played in the legendary subzero Ice Bowl against the Green Bay Packers, where he threw a touchdown pass in a losing effort for the NFL title.

1968: Knee Injury

During Week 4 of the 1968 season, Dan Reeves tore ligaments in his left knee and was lost for the season.

1971: Won Super Bowl VI

In 1971, Dan Reeves and the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-3.

February 22, 1972: Retired as Player

On February 22, 1972, Dan Reeves retired as an active player and became a full-time assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

1972: Started Coaching Career

In 1972, Dan Reeves started his coaching career as an assistant for the Dallas Cowboys.

1977: Inducted into School's Athletic Hall of Fame

In 1977, Dan Reeves was inducted into the University of South Carolina's Athletic Hall of Fame.

1981: Hired as Head Coach of Denver Broncos

In 1981, Dan Reeves became the head coach for the Denver Broncos.

1990: Relationship with Elway was "the worst"

In 1990, John Elway said that his relationship with Dan Reeves was "the worst."

1991: Fired Mike Shanahan

In 1991, Dan Reeves fired offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Shanahan for "insubordination."

1992: Fired by the Denver Broncos

After the 1992 season, Dan Reeves was fired from his head coach position with the Denver Broncos.

1993: First Season with Giants

In 1993, Dan Reeves coached his first season with the New York Giants, leading them to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth, earning him the Associated Press Coach of the Year award.

1993: Hired as Head Coach of New York Giants

In 1993, Dan Reeves was hired as the head coach of the New York Giants.

1995: Giants Record

In 1995, Dan Reeves coached the New York Giants to a 5-11 record.

1996: Giants Record

In 1996, Dan Reeves coached the New York Giants to a 6-10 record.

1996: Fired by the New York Giants

In 1996, Dan Reeves was fired from his head coach position with the New York Giants.

1996: Falcons' previous record

In 1996, prior to Dan Reeves's arrival, the Atlanta Falcons finished with a 3-13 record.

1997: Hired as Head Coach for Falcons

In 1997, Dan Reeves became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

1998: Led Atlanta Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII

In 1998, Dan Reeves led the Atlanta Falcons to their championship debut in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they were defeated by the Denver Broncos.

1998: Coach of the Year and Super Bowl Appearance

In 1998, Dan Reeves was named NFL Coach of the Year, and he led the Atlanta Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.

2003: Fired by the Falcons

In 2003, Dan Reeves was fired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after winning just three of the first thirteen games.

2006: Inducted into the State of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame

In 2006, Dan Reeves was inducted into the State of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

2007: Active Role in Georgia State University's Football Program

In 2007, Dan Reeves played an active role in the startup of Georgia State University's football program.

January 2009: Interviewed for San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Job

In January 2009, Dan Reeves interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers for their offensive coordinator job.

February 2009: Consultant for Dallas Cowboys

In February 2009, Dan Reeves became a consultant for the Dallas Cowboys, but the role was short-lived due to disagreements over contract terms.

2010: Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame

In 2010, Dan Reeves was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

2014: Inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame

In 2014, Dan Reeves was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame for his accomplishments as head coach in Denver.

January 1, 2022: Daniel Edward Reeves Death

On January 1, 2022, Daniel Edward Reeves passed away after a 38 year career in the NFL as a player and coach. He participated in nine Super Bowls, the third most for an individual.