Dave Campo Biography

Dave Campo is a veteran American football coach who has been known for his defensive expertise at both the collegiate and NFL levels. After starring as a defensive back and shortstop at Central Connecticut State, he launched his coaching career in 1971 with a two‑year stint there. Over the next 15 years, he built experience across college programs—from Albany and Pittsburgh to Miami (FL), where as secondary coach he helped lead the Hurricanes to a 23–1 record and the 1987 national championship.

In 1989, Campo followed Jimmy Johnson to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, rising from defensive assistant to secondary coach, and eventually defensive coordinator. His call of the defense brought him three Super Bowl rings (1992, 1993, 1995). Promoted to head coach in 2000, he led the Cowboys for three seasons (2000–02), posting 5–11 records each year and becoming the only head coach in franchise history without a winning season or playoff appearance.

Following Dallas, Campo continued as an NFL defensive coordinator: first with the Cleveland Browns (2003–04), then as assistant head coach and secondary coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2005–07), returning to Dallas in 2008 as secondary coach through 2011. In 2012, he transitioned back to college football as defensive coordinator and secondary coach at the University of Kansas. More recently, he has served as a consultant with USC.

Widely respected as a position coach and defensive strategist, Campo earned praise for his impact on young players and defensive units. Barry Switzer called him “the best coach in that room” when lobbying for his promotion to Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.

Known for his calm, instructional style, Campo’s legacy lies in his Super Bowl‑winning defensive leadership and his lasting influence on players at every level of the game.

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