Lions HC Dan Campbell looks identical to playing days minus epic long hair

The Detroit head coach looks the same in 2008 as a Lions player to now with one noticeable difference.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan.3, 2025. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dan Campbell looks like he could still play in the NFL. In fact, he looks pretty much the same as when he did play — just minus the hair.

The Detroit Lions head coach was drafted in 1999 to the New York Giants from the Texas A&M Aggies. He’d go on to play 11 seasons in the NFL as a tight end with the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Lions, and New Orleans Saints.

Fast forward to 2025 and the 48-year-old coach still rocks that 6-foot-5 frame with a muscular build. While he always wears a hat on the sidelines, his wife Holly Campbell recently shared what he looks like without it on a date night and you wouldn’t believe it.

RELATED: Dan Campbell’s wife Holly stuns in unique black fit at Lions-Vikings game

While he still has hair, it’s nothing like his epic long-flowing look back in 2008 with Detroit. ESPN compared the team photo from then vs. now.

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With his fiery speeches, and his jacked arms and quick reflexes that save coffee cups from disaster, Campbell might be able to get in a few plays.

RELATED: Lions HC Dan Campbell’s daughter Piper grooves with ‘fav mom’ Holly at Vikings slay

The coach, who enjoyed his Starbucks “Victory” surprise on Monday, and the team have a week off as the No. 1 seed after beating the Minnesota Vikings in the final game of the regular season to win the NFC North. While they don’t know their opponent, no doubt a highly caffeinated Dan is working day and night with very little sleep to get this team ready for what they hope will be a Super Bowl run.

Dan Campbell and his tiny purse dog go get coffee. / Holly Campbell/Instagram

After the season maybe Dan Cambell can let his hair out and have some fun.

Dan Campbell without his hat. / Holly Campbell/Instagram

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