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Dan Devine
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Daniel John Devine (December 23, 1924 – May 9, 2002) was an American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at Arizona State University from 1955 to 1957, the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1970, and the University of Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, compiling a career college football mark of 173–56–9. Devine was also the head coach of the National Football League (NFL)'s Green Bay Packers from 1971 to 1974, tallying a mark of 25–27–4. His 1977 Notre Dame team won a national championship after beating Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Devine was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1985.

Key Information

Early life and military service

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Born in Augusta, Wisconsin, on December 23, 1924, Devine later went to live with an aunt and uncle in Proctor, Minnesota. At Proctor High School,[1] Devine started at quarterback as a freshman and later became known as "The Proctor Flash", a name given to him by his friend Lute Olson. Devine also competed in three other sports during his four years at the school, and graduated in 1942.

Devine then enrolled at the Duluth State Teachers College (now the University of Minnesota Duluth), and was team captain of both the basketball and football teams, playing as a 170 lb (77 kg) quarterback. His time at the school was interrupted after enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where Devine became a B-29 flight officer. He graduated from college in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in history.

Coaching career

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Early years as a coach and Michigan State

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Devine earned his first coaching job as head coach at East Jordan High School in Michigan, reaching his interview by a combination of bus travel and hitch-hiking. Following two undefeated seasons at the school, Devine accepted an assistant position at Michigan State University in 1950 under head coach Biggie Munn. For the next five seasons, Devine helped the Spartans achieve success, including winning a national championship in 1952.

Arizona State

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On February 5, 1955, Devine accepted the head coaching position at Arizona State College, now Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona. Joining him as an assistant was Frank Kush, who would have even greater success at the school after Devine left. During his three years with the Sun Devils, Devine compiled a record of 27–3–1 (.887), including a spotless 10–0 mark during his final campaign. Devine's team led the nation in total offense and scoring in his final season, averaging just under 40 points per game in the latter category.

Missouri

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Devine's success at Arizona State resulted in an offer from the University of Missouri, which he accepted on December 18, 1957. At first, Devine was reluctant to accept the position; his flight to Missouri had developed engine trouble. Devine also had hot chocolate spilled on him by a stewardess during the flight, which arrived six hours late.

Over the next 13 years, Devine would turn the once-dormant program into a consistently competitive school that finished with a Top 20 ranking in the Coaches Poll nine times. His record of 93–37–7 (.704) included four bowl game victories, with his winning percentage passing that of his predecessor Don Faurot. Devine left Missouri with the second most number of wins as coach in school history, behind only Faurot. Devine is now third after being passed by Gary Pinkel in 2013.

After finishing 5–4–1 in his first year in 1958, Devine (with two years left on his contract) gained some job security when a group of Missouri alumni funded a $150,000 life insurance policy that covered him as long as he remained as head coach of the Tigers. The investment paid off as Missouri never lost more than three games over the next decade.

Tiger football was integrated under Devine's watch, with Norris Stevenson and Mel West becoming Mizzou's first Black scholarship athletes. Both would play major roles for the team and would later be selected in the 1961 NFL Draft.

In 1960, the Tigers began the year unranked, but after shutting out SMU 20–0, in the season opener, moved up to 16th and continued to head upward in the weekly rankings. Following that win with eight straight victories, Missouri became the top-ranked team in the country following a 41–19 victory over Oklahoma.

Needing only a victory over Kansas to clinch a national championship, the Tigers (favored by a touchdown) instead were stunned in a 23–7 upset loss. After an Orange Bowl victory over Navy on January 1, 1961, Missouri finished the year ranked fifth. Kansas was later forced to forfeit two games in a vote by Big 8 schools (3–5) because the Jayhawks' Bert Coan had received impermissible benefits from Kansas booster (and Houston Oilers owner) Bud Adams and was thus voted ineligible by the Conference. The Big 8 chose not to vote on the issue mid-season, though it was known prior to the game. Missouri claims the 1960 game as a win by forfeit—thus making 1960 the only undefeated and untied season in school history.

While never again reaching that level, Missouri maintained its strength throughout the 1960s, with Devine taking on the added duties of athletic director in 1967 after Faurot stepped down from that post. During his three years in the latter role, Devine made a key hire when he selected Norm Stewart to head the fortunes of the school's men's basketball squad.

After finishing 9–1 in 1969, a season capped off with a massive 69–21 win over Kansas that saw Jayhawk coach Pepper Rodgers showing the peace sign to Devine late in the game and Devine "return half of it", Missouri faced Penn State in the 1970 Orange Bowl. The Nittany Lions entered the game with a 28-game winning streak and extended the string by intercepting seven Tiger passes in a 10–3 defensive battle.

Green Bay Packers

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After suffering his first losing season in 1970, Devine left Missouri on January 14, 1971, to become the head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers of the NFL, succeeding Phil Bengtson.

Devine acknowledged the pressure of the position but had the benefit of the doubt since he did not immediately follow legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Bengtson had endured three years of unrealistic expectations following Lombardi's brief retirement after Super Bowl II.

Devine's career in Green Bay got off to a painful start when he suffered a broken leg following a sideline collision in the season opener, a 42–40 loss to the New York Giants.[2]

After finishing 4–8–2 in 1971, Devine headed a brief resurgence that "The Pack is Back" by dethroning the four-time division champion Minnesota Vikings in 1972 to reach the playoffs, the Packers' first post-season in five years. The Packers lost 16–3 in the first round to the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium on Christmas Eve.

The Packers did not reach the postseason for another decade, during the expanded 16-team playoffs of the strike-shortened 1982 season. Green Bay would not return to the playoffs in a non-strike year until 1993 and would not win another divisional title until 1995. Unable to recapture the success of 1972, Devine's final two seasons at Green Bay were disappointing (5–7–2 in 1973 and 6–8 in 1974).

Midway through his last season as Packers head coach in 1974, Devine engineered a memorable trade in which Green Bay exchanged two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a third-round pick for 34-year-old quarterback John Hadl from the Los Angeles Rams. The Packers were 3–3 at the time with lackluster play from quarterback Jerry Tagge, and Devine apparently believed an experienced quarterback was the last piece of the puzzle.

However, Hadl would play only two years as a Packer, winning just seven games while throwing 29 interceptions during that span. Meanwhile, the Rams used the picks acquired in the trade to draft players who would help them dominate the NFC West in the 1970s. To this day, many Packer fans have never forgiven Devine for the trade, which is widely reckoned as the worst trade for a starting quarterback in NFL history.[3]

Devine's wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during the season.

As the Packers' performance declined, Devine's relationship with the fans deteriorated, and his family started to get verbally harassed during games. An incident occurred where one of his dogs was shot by a neighbor. Devine claimed that the shooter was an angry Packers fan, but the farmer who shot the dog said that he did so because it had been constantly straying onto his property, and he had warned Devine in the past that he would shoot Devine's dog if it came near his home again.

After a three-game losing streak knocked the Packers out of the playoffs, Devine resigned on December 16, 1974, to become the head coach at the University of Notre Dame. His departure was also controversial, as the Packers' board of directors were prepared to buy Devine out of his contract, but Devine told them that he was going to return to coach the team in 1975. Devine asked for his last season's paycheck to come in advance, and after it was given to him, Devine announced his resignation.

Notre Dame

[edit]
Devine in 1976

Devine had been a leading candidate for the head coaching job at Notre Dame in 1964 when Ara Parseghian was hired. When approached for the job following Parseghian's resignation a decade later, Devine accepted immediately, joking that it was probably the shortest job interview in history.

In his six seasons at Notre Dame, Devine compiled a 53–16–1 mark (.764). His lasting achievement came midway through this run when the Fighting Irish won the 1977 national championship, led by junior quarterback Joe Montana. The regular season was highlighted by the Irish's 21–17 come-from-behind win over Clemson at Death Valley when Devine repeatedly gave the middle finger salute to the raucous home crowd.

The championship season was completed with a convincing 38–10 win in the 1978 Cotton Bowl Classic over previously top-ranked Texas, led by Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell. The win vaulted the Irish from fifth to first in the polls.

Earlier in the season, before the annual game against USC on October 22, Devine changed the team's home jerseys from navy blue & white to kelly green & gold, which would remain for the rest of his time at the school.

Devine also added names to the players' jerseys on a permanent basis when he took over at Notre Dame. Previously, names had been included on jerseys only during bowl games. (The traditional navy blue & white jerseys without names returned in the 1980s under Lou Holtz.)

Devine's teams won three bowl games, including consecutive Cotton Bowl Classics. In the 1979 Cotton Bowl Classic, the Irish trailed 34–12 with 7:27 remaining in the game. They rallied for 23 unanswered points behind ailing senior quarterback Joe Montana for a 35–34 victory over Houston. The game, played in an unseasonal storm of freezing sleet and rain, became part of college football folklore, referred to as the Chicken Soup Game.

Because Devine had the unenviable task of following a legend, he came under heavy scrutiny while at Notre Dame, and it was felt that Devine was never fully embraced by the Notre Dame community, despite winning a national championship. After a 5–2 start in his first season, rumors of incompetence were circulated and that Devine would be dismissed and replaced by Don Shula or even Ara Parseghian (who went so far as to say he would not return to coaching under any circumstances). Even on the day of the 1977 USC game, "Dump Devine" bumper stickers were being sold outside Notre Dame Stadium. Devine also lost to his old program, a shocking 3–0 defeat to Missouri at Notre Dame in 1978.

Devine was involved in a game while at Notre Dame whose ending resulted in a rule change still in effect today. On September 15, 1979, the Irish faced the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor in their season opener. With six seconds remaining, Michigan lined up for a game-winning field goal attempt. Notre Dame linebacker Bob Crable ran onto the backs of offensive lineman Tim Foley and defensive end Scott Zettek and was able to block the kick, preserving a 12–10 Irish victory.[4] A new rule was implemented the following season that prohibited this tactic.

On August 15, 1980, Devine announced that he would be leaving Notre Dame at the end of the 1980 season, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his wife. Notre Dame named Gerry Faust as Devine's successor on November 24, 1980.[5] At the time, Devine's Irish were enjoying a surprisingly successful season, with a 9–0–1 record and No. 2 ranking in the polls, behind only Georgia.[citation needed] However, after Faust's hiring was announced, Notre Dame lost its regular season finale at rival USC, 20–3 and then lost the Sugar Bowl to Georgia, 17–10, giving the Bulldogs their first national championship and spoiling Devine's final game as a head football coach.

Later life and death

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Upon retiring, Devine moved back to Arizona and became a fundraiser for Arizona State's Sun Devil Foundation. In 1985, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, later returning to his old school at Missouri in 1992 as athletic director to help navigate the school through financial troubles. Devine was inducted into the inaugural class of the University of Minnesota Duluth Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.[6]

In 2000, Devine's wife died. His own health began to deteriorate in February 2001, when after undergoing heart surgery, Devine suffered a ruptured aorta. Fifteen months later, on May 9, 2002, he died at home at the age of 77.[7]

[edit]

Devine was portrayed by actor Chelcie Ross in the film Rudy. In the film, Devine is portrayed in a somewhat unfavorable light, acting as a hindrance to Daniel Ruettiger's dream of dressing for Notre Dame or appearing in a game. Devine was reported to be incensed with how he was portrayed in the film, noting that Devine had planned to allow Rudy to play all along. Devine also maintained that none of the players laid down their jerseys on his desk as a form of protest.[8] Devine was asked by movie producers to allow his dramatized character to "play the heavy," to provide dramatic plot opportunities. While Devine agreed, he later wrote that he did not believe Ross's portrayal would be as antagonistic as it turned out in the finished film.[9]

The University of Notre Dame erected a statue of Devine outside of Notre Dame Stadium in 2011.[10] As of 2024, the statue, which depicts Devine holding a football in one hand and pointing upward with his other, sits outside of the stadium's Gate A, also called the Dan Devine Gate.[10]

Head coaching record

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College

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Arizona State Sun Devils (Border Conference) (1955–1957)
1955 Arizona State 8–2–1 4–1 2nd
1956 Arizona State 9–1 3–1 2nd
1957 Arizona State 10–0 4–0 1st 12 12
Arizona State: 27–3–1 11–2
Missouri Tigers (Big Seven / Big Eight Conference) (1958–1970)
1958 Missouri 5–4–1 4–1–1 2nd
1959 Missouri 6–5 4–2 2nd L Orange 19 18
1960 Missouri 11–0[n 1] 7–0[n 1] 1st[n 1] W Orange 4 5
1961 Missouri 7–2–1 5–2 T–2nd 11
1962 Missouri 8–1–2 5–1–1 2nd W Bluebonnet 12
1963 Missouri 7–3 5–2 3rd 16
1964 Missouri 6–3–1 4–2–1 4th 18
1965 Missouri 8–2–1 6–1 2nd W Sugar 6 6
1966 Missouri 6–3–1 4–2–1 T–3rd
1967 Missouri 7–3 4–3 4th
1968 Missouri 8–3 5–2 3rd W Gator 17 9
1969 Missouri 9–2 6–1 T–1st L Orange 6 6
1970 Missouri 5–6 3–4 T–4th
Missouri: 92–38–7 61–24–4
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA Division I / I-A independent) (1975–1980)
1975 Notre Dame 8–3 17
1976 Notre Dame 9–3 W Gator 12 12
1977 Notre Dame 11–1 W Cotton 1 1
1978 Notre Dame 9–3 W Cotton 6 7
1979 Notre Dame 7–4
1980 Notre Dame 9–2–1 L Sugar 10 9
Notre Dame: 53–16–1
Total: 172–57–9
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

NFL

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win ratio Finish Won Lost Win percentage Result
GB 1971 4 8 2 .357 4th in NFC Central – – – –
GB 1972 10 4 0 .714 1st in NFC Central 0 1 .000 Lost to Washington Redskins in NFC Divisional Game
GB 1973 5 7 2 .429 3rd in NFC Central – – – –
GB 1974 6 8 0 .429 3rd in NFC Central – – – –
Total 25 27 4 .482 0 1 .000

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dan Devine

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniel John Devine (December 23, 1924 – May 9, 2002) was an player and coach renowned for his successful tenure at the collegiate and professional levels. He played at the from 1946 to 1947 before embarking on a coaching career that spanned over two decades, amassing a college record of 172–57–9 (.742 winning percentage) and leading teams to multiple bowl victories and national prominence. Devine's most celebrated achievement came as head coach of the , where he guided the Fighting Irish to the 1977 national championship with an 11–1 record, capped by a 38–10 Cotton Bowl victory over . He was inducted into the in 1985 for his contributions to the sport. Born in Augusta, , as the second of nine children in a poor family, Devine graduated from the in 1948 and began coaching at East Jordan High School in (1948–1949), where he posted a perfect 16–0 record. He then served as an assistant coach at from 1950 to 1953 before becoming head coach at in 1955 at age 31, compiling a 27–3–1 record over three seasons and earning induction into the ASU Hall of Distinction in 1987. From 1958 to 1970, Devine led the Tigers to their most successful era, achieving a 92–38–7 record, six bowl appearances (winning four, including the Orange, , Gator, and Bluebonnet Bowls), and nine top-20 national finishes, with the team ranked as high as fifth in 1960. Transitioning to the professional ranks, Devine served as both and of the from 1971 to 1974, posting a 25–27–4 record and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1972 for revitalizing the franchise. At Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, he maintained a strong 53–16–1 mark (.764 winning percentage), securing five bowl berths and 17 victories over ranked opponents, including notable upsets against and in 1980. Beyond coaching, Devine later directed athletics at , overseeing key facility developments like the Hearnes Center. He passed away in his Phoenix-area home after a year-long illness, survived by seven children from his marriage to Joanne Brookhart Devine (d. 2000).

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Daniel John Devine was born on December 23, 1924, in Augusta, Wisconsin, to Jerome James Devine and Erma (Ermanilda) Anderl Devine. As the second of nine children, Devine grew up amid severe poverty in the Chippewa Falls area during the Great Depression, with the family residing in an abandoned schoolhouse lacking basic amenities. His father's alcoholism exacerbated the hardships, leading to abusive behavior that prompted Devine's relocation at age four to live with his aunt and uncle in Proctor, Minnesota—a move the family later described as a "legal kidnapping" to shield him from the turmoil. Erma Devine, the resilient matriarch, raised the children largely as a single mother after Jerome's struggles intensified following the loss of his retail business. The siblings, born between 1923 and 1937, included older brother James (Jim), younger sister Beatrice (Beatie) Wykel, Mary Kurtz, Jerry "Lefty" Devine, and Devine, among others; despite the separation and adversity, they maintained strong family bonds, with many achieving professional success and later collaborating on memoirs reflecting their shared resilience. In , a of Duluth, Devine nurtured early athletic passions in football, , and , earning four varsity letters across these sports at Proctor High School. He served as the four-year starting and team captain, graduating in 1942 before pursuing higher education and football.

College Playing Career

Dan Devine enrolled at Duluth State Teachers College (now the ) in 1942, but his studies were interrupted by enlistment in the United States Army Air Forces during . Following his discharge, he returned to resume his postsecondary education. Devine quickly emerged as a key figure on the , serving as the starting for two seasons in 1946 and 1947. As a senior in 1947, he captained the Bulldogs, helping revitalize the program and guide it to strong performances that marked a turnaround from prior struggles. He also lettered in during the 1942–43 and 1945–46 seasons, playing guard. In 1945–46, he earned team captaincy and led the squad in scoring. In 1948, Devine completed a in from Duluth State Teachers College. As a graduate of the institution, which emphasized teacher preparation, he obtained initial teaching certification that aligned with his early aspirations to build a career in education and coaching.

Military Service and Early Coaching

World War II Service

Following his graduation from Proctor High School in Proctor, Minnesota in 1942, where he excelled in multiple sports, Devine briefly began college studies at the before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. His high school athletic background aided his adaptation to military life. Devine underwent training as a , focusing on the B-29 Superfortress bomber, a key aircraft in the campaign, but the war's end in prevented his deployment into active combat operations. Devine's approximately 2½-year service in the Army Air Corps concluded with an honorable discharge in 1946. The discipline, leadership principles, and teamwork he developed during training profoundly shaped his approach to coaching, emphasizing structured preparation and in later roles. This military commitment delayed Devine's full pursuit of higher education until age 21, as he resumed and completed his in history at the in 1948.

High School and Assistant Coaching Roles

After completing his college education in 1948, Dan Devine launched his coaching career as head football coach at East Jordan High School in , where he inherited a program that had gone winless in 1946 and 1947. Over two seasons from 1948 to 1949, his teams compiled a perfect 16–0 record, establishing him as a promising young coach capable of revitalizing struggling programs. Drawing on leadership principles developed during his military service, he emphasized discipline and strategic preparation in his early roles. Devine advanced to college coaching in as an assistant at under head coach Clarence "Biggie" Munn, serving through the 1954 season. In this capacity, he played a key role in the Spartans' offensive operations, mentoring quarterbacks and contributing to the team's dominant 1952 campaign, during which Michigan State finished 9-0 and shared the title. His time at Michigan State allowed him to refine innovative offensive approaches, including creative play designs that maximized quarterback mobility and passing efficiency, skills that would define his later head coaching tenures.

College Head Coaching Career

Arizona State University

Dan Devine was hired as head football coach at in 1955 at the age of 31, marking his first major college head coaching position after serving as an assistant at . In his inaugural season, the Sun Devils finished 8-2-1. Devine's teams emphasized versatility and speed, incorporating elements of a multiple offense that allowed for varied formations and plays to exploit defensive weaknesses. Over three seasons from 1955 to 1957, Devine compiled an impressive 27-3-1 record, transforming the program into a regional powerhouse. In 1956, Arizona State went 9-1, continuing to build momentum with strong defensive play and efficient scoring. The pinnacle came in 1957, when the Sun Devils achieved a perfect 10-0 record, including a 4-0 mark in play to claim the conference championship—their first undefeated season and initial national ranking at No. 12 in the final . This campaign featured four shutouts and an average margin of victory exceeding 30 points, outscoring opponents 397-66 overall. Devine focused on player development and recruiting, nurturing talents such as running back Leon Burton, the program's first Black scholarship athlete, who contributed to the 1956 squad's success. His efforts established a solid recruiting foundation in the Southwest, elevating Arizona State's profile and attracting higher-caliber prospects to Tempe. Following the 1957 season, Devine departed for the University of Missouri, leaving behind a program poised for sustained contention.

University of Missouri

Dan Devine served as head football coach at the from 1958 to 1970, compiling an overall record of 93–37–7 during his 13-season tenure, which marked the program's most consistent period of success in the mid-20th century. His teams captured championships in 1960 and 1969, establishing Missouri as a perennial contender in the conference while never suffering more than three losses in any single season during the 1960s. Devine's emphasis on disciplined execution and innovative offensive strategies, adapted from his earlier time at Arizona State, contributed to nine top-20 national rankings, including a No. 5 finish in the final in 1960. Under Devine, the Tigers made six bowl appearances (winning two), including the 1963 Bluebonnet Bowl loss to Georgia Tech, the 1966 Sugar Bowl loss to Florida, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl loss to Texas, victories in the 1961 Orange Bowl over Navy (21–14) following the undefeated 1960 regular season and the 1968 Gator Bowl against Alabama (35–10), and the 1970 Orange Bowl loss to Penn State. The 1960 campaign stands out as a pinnacle, with Missouri finishing 11–0 (per NCAA recognition, despite a disputed 17–13 loss to Kansas that some records list as a win due to forfeit) and earning a No. 5 ranking in the final AP Poll after clinching the Big Eight title. Similarly, the 1969 season saw the Tigers go 9–2, co-winning the conference with a high-powered offense that scored 365 points, led by quarterback Dave Dickey, before a narrow 10–3 Orange Bowl loss to Penn State. Devine also developed key talents like end Conrad Hitchler, a two-way standout from 1960 to 1962 who led the team in receiving in 1961 and earned All-Big Eight honors in 1961 and 1962. Devine's tenure advanced in football, as he recruited the program's first scholarship athletes in 1958—running back Norris Stevenson from St. Louis's Sumner High School and end Mel West—making the southernmost Big Eight school to integrate at that time. Stevenson, in particular, broke barriers by rushing for 307 yards as a and becoming a starter, helping foster a more inclusive team environment amid the era's civil rights struggles. This progress continued through the , with additional players contributing to the team's sustained competitiveness and runs. Devine resigned on , 1971, following a 5–6 record in 1970—his first losing season at —amid growing speculation about professional opportunities, ultimately accepting the head coaching and general manager role with the NFL's .

Professional Coaching Career

Green Bay Packers

Dan Devine was hired as the head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers in January 1971, signing a five-year contract to succeed Phil Bengtson and tasked with revitalizing the team after its post-Vince Lombardi decline. Over his four seasons from 1971 to 1974, Devine compiled an overall record of 25-27-4, guiding the Packers through a period of inconsistency marked by defensive strengths but offensive shortcomings. His dual role allowed him to oversee personnel decisions, drawing on his college coaching experience to emphasize player development, though adapting to the professional game's demands proved challenging as he shifted from recruiting amateur talent to managing seasoned veterans. Devine's tenure peaked in 1972, when the Packers achieved a 10-4 record, captured the NFC Central Division title, and earned a playoff berth—their first since 1967—thanks to a stout defense and improved play under Scott Hunter. For this turnaround, he was named NFL Coach of the Year by both the and , recognizing his ability to instill discipline and strategic adjustments in a roster inherited from prior regimes. However, the 1974 season soured amid a controversial trade for quarterback John Hadl from the Los Angeles Rams, in which Devine surrendered the Packers' first-, second-, and third-round picks in the 1975 NFL Draft, along with a fifth-rounder in 1976 and two players ( John Brockington and Terry Brown). Hadl, a 34-year-old veteran coming off a strong year with the , struggled immensely in Green Bay, throwing just nine touchdowns against 29 interceptions while the offense managed only 23 points across the final three games, contributing to a 6-8 finish and elimination from playoff contention. The deal drew widespread criticism for its exorbitant cost and Hadl's rapid decline, exacerbating perceptions of Devine's mismanagement in high-stakes personnel moves. Throughout his Packers stint, Devine faced mounting struggles with team morale and fan relations, as players chafed under his authoritative style and supporters grew frustrated with inconsistent results and the harsh scrutiny in the Lombardi-shadowed market. Reports highlighted a divided locker room, with some veterans resenting his college-oriented approaches, and public backlash intensified after the Hadl trade, leading Devine to cite "cruel and inhuman treatment" toward him and his family as a factor in his dissatisfaction. Following a three-game losing streak in late that knocked the team out of contention, Devine resigned on December 16, , abruptly leaving to return to . His abrupt exit underscored the difficulties of his transition from the collegiate level, where his success at in recruiting and program-building had equipped him for talent evaluation but not fully for the NFL's intense professional dynamics and media pressures.

University of Notre Dame

Dan Devine served as head football coach at the from 1975 to 1980, compiling an overall record of 53 wins, 16 losses, and 1 tie. His tenure began amid high expectations following Ara Parseghian's successful era, and Devine quickly worked to restore the program's competitive edge through disciplined preparation and strategic recruiting. The pinnacle of Devine's Notre Dame career came in the 1977 season, when the Fighting Irish finished 11-1 and claimed the . A pivotal moment occurred in the 1978 Cotton Bowl against , where Notre Dame secured a 38-10 victory, clinching the title after Texas's turnovers and key scores from running back Vagas Ferguson and Joe , who threw a touchdown pass to Ferguson. , a junior who had ascended to starter after an injury to the previous , became a cornerstone of the offense under Devine, showcasing the poise he later displayed in the . Another iconic achievement was the 1979 Cotton Bowl, dubbed the "Chicken Soup Game," where Notre Dame overcame a severe flu epidemic that sidelined several players, including . Trailing 34-12 entering the fourth quarter in freezing conditions, the Irish mounted a comeback fueled by a blocked punt returned for a by Steve Cichy and Montana's halftime recovery with chicken soup, leading to a 35-34 win. Devine's leadership in managing the crisis highlighted his ability to handle high-pressure situations, drawing on lessons from his experience with the . Devine retired after the 1980 season, leaving behind a legacy of revitalizing Notre Dame's tradition of excellence with a national title and memorable victories that emphasized resilience and team unity.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Dan Devine married Joanne Mae Brookhart on March 8, 1947, in . The couple formed a steadfast , with Joanne accompanying Devine through multiple relocations driven by his , including moves to Tempe for , Columbia for the , Green Bay for the Packers, and South Bend for Notre Dame. Together, they raised seven children—six daughters and one son, Dan Jr.—amid these frequent transitions, which the family navigated as a unit to support Devine's professional commitments. Dan Jr. pursued a path similar to his father's, serving as a high school football coach in , for over two decades. The Devines' devout Catholic faith profoundly shaped their family life, emphasizing strong moral values, regular attendance as a family ritual, and a commitment to resilience and unity. This religious foundation encouraged their children's active involvement in sports and community activities, mirroring the discipline and teamwork central to Devine's coaching philosophy. In 2024, a by Devine's grandson, The Nine Devines of Chippewa Falls, detailed the childhood hardships faced by Devine's siblings, highlighting the enduring family perseverance that informed his approach to marriage and parenting.

Health Challenges and Philanthropy

In the early 1970s, during Dan Devine's tenure as head coach of the from 1971 to 1974, his wife Joanne was diagnosed with at the age of 48. Her condition became noticeable around this time, as she began experiencing difficulties with walking, which led to unfounded rumors among fans that she was an alcoholic; in reality, these symptoms were attributed to the progressive nature of the disease. The illness worsened during the Packers years, adding significant personal strain amid the team's on-field challenges and Devine's demanding role, where he balanced intense professional pressures with emerging family health needs. Devine took on a primary caregiving role for Joanne as her advanced, a responsibility that influenced major career decisions. In 1980, after leading Notre Dame to a , he announced his retirement from coaching partly to devote more time to her care, citing her ongoing health battles as a key factor. Their large family of seven children provided a supportive network, enabling Devine to manage these demands while maintaining his professional commitments. Later in life, Devine himself faced serious health issues, undergoing quintuple bypass heart surgery in February 2001 followed by emergency surgery for a ruptured just days later; he spent the remainder of his life recovering from these cardiac conditions. Devine's experiences with Joanne's illness inspired his active involvement in , particularly fundraising for research through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where he contributed time and resources to support affected families. Rooted in his strong Catholic faith, he also generously donated to Native American Catholic schools and missions, aiding educational and spiritual initiatives for underserved communities. Additionally, his engagement with the extended to supporting programs, including sponsorships for and activities that promoted discipline and teamwork among young athletes. These efforts reflected Devine's commitment to giving back, even as he navigated his own health recovery and family responsibilities.

Later Life, Death, and Legacy

Post-Coaching Activities

Following his resignation as head coach at the in 1980, Dan Devine retired to , where he assumed the role of executive director of the Sun Angel Foundation at , a position he held for seven years from 1980 to 1987. In this capacity, Devine focused on and support for athletic programs, leveraging his prior experience as head coach at ASU from 1955 to 1957 to strengthen alumni and donor engagement. In 1987, Devine took on the directorship of Arizona State's substance abuse program, initiating efforts to address athlete health and wellness amid growing national concerns over drug use in college sports. This role marked an administrative shift, emphasizing prevention and education rather than on-field coaching, and reflected his commitment to broader athletic department responsibilities. Devine returned to the University of Missouri in 1992 as athletic director, succeeding Dick Tamburo on a one-year contract that extended until his retirement at the end of the 1993-94 academic year. During this period, he helped navigate the program through financial difficulties and operational challenges, drawing on his earlier tenure as Missouri's athletic director from 1966 to 1970 and head coach from 1958 to 1970 to stabilize the department amid a turbulent time for the school's athletics.

Death and Tributes

Dan Devine died on May 9, 2002, at the age of 77 in his , home from complications following heart surgery 15 months earlier. He had undergone quintuple bypass surgery in February 2001, followed by an additional procedure for an , and spent the subsequent 14 months hospitalized before returning home, where he passed away peacefully surrounded by his children. A was held on May 17, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Phoenix, following a visitation the previous evening; Devine was buried later that day with full military honors at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery in Phoenix. Family members, including his children, attended the services, joined by former colleagues, players, and associates from his coaching tenures at , the , the , and the . A concurrent memorial dedicated to Devine took place at 11:30 a.m. that same day at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus, with an additional bagpipe tribute held afterward at the in . Immediate tributes poured in from the communities Devine had shaped. The athletics department issued a statement mourning the loss of the architect of their 1977 national championship team, describing him as a "great coach and an even greater man" whose influence endured among players and staff. The organization published a retrospective on his tenure, highlighting his leadership during a challenging period and crediting him with fostering talent like . At the , where Devine had coached from 1958 to 1970, officials announced plans for a local memorial service on June 1, 2002, in Columbia to honor his legacy of success and dedication. One of the earliest major tributes came nearly a decade later with the unveiling of a bronze statue of Devine on October 7, 2011, outside Gate A of —renamed the Dan Devine Gate in 2010. The ceremony, attended by family members, former players like , and university officials, featured speeches emphasizing his motivational prowess and the 1977 title win; the sculpture depicts Devine in his signature coaching pose, arms crossed, symbolizing his commanding presence on the sideline.

Awards and Honors

Hall of Fame Inductions

Dan Devine was inducted into the in 1985, recognizing his exceptional 22-year collegiate coaching career that produced a 172-57-9 record and a .742 , highlighted by a at Notre Dame in 1977 and consistent top-20 finishes for nine of his 13 teams at . This honor, administered by the National Football Foundation, also acknowledged his earlier successes at Arizona State, where he achieved an undefeated season in 1957, and his role in advancing the sport through innovative strategies and player development. In 1973, Devine was enshrined in the Sports Hall of Fame for elevating football during its most successful era, with teams achieving national rankings as high as No. 5 in 1960 and in both 1965 and 1969, alongside his administrative efforts that included facility expansions like the Hearnes Center. His integration initiatives at Missouri, which broke racial barriers in a segregated state, added to the significance of this honor, marking him as a transformative figure in the region's sports history. Devine's impact at Arizona State earned him a place in the Arizona State University Hall of Distinction in 1987, honoring his 27-3-1 record from 1955 to 1957, which included an undefeated season and the program's first bowl victory in the 1957 , while also introducing the first Black players to the Sun Devils roster. This induction highlighted his foundational role in establishing Arizona State as a competitive force in the . The University of Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame inducted Devine in 1990, citing his dual legacy as , where he compiled a 93-37-7 record and led the program to unprecedented national visibility, and as from 1966 to 1970, during which he oversaw key infrastructure developments and maintained competitive excellence across sports. Finally, in 1991, Devine was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class, commemorating his standout playing career from 1942 to 1947, where he captained the as in 1946-1947 and excelled in as a guard, contributing to the Bulldogs' early postwar successes. This recognition emphasized his foundational athletic roots that propelled his later coaching achievements.

Coaching Achievements and Recognitions

Dan Devine's coaching career was marked by significant milestones across college and professional football, including one as , contributions to two others as an assistant, and multiple conference titles. As an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1950 to 1953 under Clarence "Biggie" Munn, Devine contributed to a highly successful program that compiled a 35-2 record over those years and shared or won in both 1951 and 1952, with the 1952 Spartans recognized as consensus after an undefeated 9-0 season. Later, as at Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, Devine led the Fighting Irish to the 1977 consensus , culminating in an 11-1 season and a 38-10 victory over in the Cotton Bowl. At the collegiate level, Devine secured conference championships that underscored his ability to build competitive programs, including Big Eight Coach of the Year honors in 1958. During his tenure at State from 1955 to 1957, he guided the Sun Devils to the 1957 title with a perfect 10-0 record, marking the program's first undefeated season. At from 1958 to 1970, Devine won championships in 1960 and 1969, achieving a 93-37-7 overall record and establishing the Tigers as a consistent contender in the 1960s. Devine's bowl game successes highlighted his postseason prowess, with seven wins in ten appearances. These included the 1961 Orange Bowl victory over Navy while at Missouri, two Cotton Bowl triumphs at Notre Dame in 1978 (against Texas) and 1979 (a dramatic comeback from a 22-point deficit against Houston), as well as wins in the 1962 Bluebonnet Bowl, 1966 Sugar Bowl, and 1968 Gator Bowl. In the NFL, Devine coached the Green Bay Packers from 1971 to 1974, earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1972 from both the Pro Football Writers Association and United Press International after leading the team to a 10-3 record and the NFC Central Division title. Beyond titles and awards, Devine was recognized for his innovative approaches to offense and player development. He implemented versatile multiple-offense schemes that emphasized a balanced attack, including strong running games at and adaptive strategies at Notre Dame that developed quarterbacks like into NFL stars. His emphasis on player growth contributed to high-impact performers across programs, with teams under his leadership producing numerous All-Americans and future professionals.

Head Coaching Record

College Record

Dan Devine's head coaching career at the college level spanned three programs and 22 seasons, culminating in an overall record of 172–57–9 (). His teams appeared in 10 bowl games, achieving a 7–3 record. Note: Official records for Missouri include a forfeit win in 1960 over due to an ineligible player, adjusting Missouri's record to 93–37–7 and overall to 173–56–9 (.746); on-field totals are used here consistent with Hall of Fame induction. Prior to his head coaching tenure, Devine served as an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1950 to 1953, contributing to the 1952 team but without a personal head coaching record from that era.

Arizona State Sun Devils (1955–1957)

Devine compiled a 27–3–1 record at Arizona State, with a .887 winning percentage in the Border Conference. His teams did not participate in any bowl games during this period.
YearOverall RecordConference RecordStandingNotes
19558–2–14–12ndNone
19569–13–12ndNone
195710–04–01stNone

Missouri Tigers (1958–1970)

At Missouri, Devine posted a 93–37–7 record (.704 winning percentage) in the Big Seven/Big Eight Conference, winning conference championships in 1960 and 1969. His Tigers qualified for six bowl games, going 4–2.
YearOverall RecordConference RecordStandingNotes
19585–4–14–1–12ndNone
19596–53–45thOrange Bowl (L, 0–23 vs. Clemson)
196011–07–01st (Co-champions)Orange Bowl (W, 21–14 vs. Navy); includes forfeit win over Kansas
19617–2–14–2–13rdNone
19628–1–25–1–12ndBluebonnet Bowl (W, 14–0 vs. Georgia Tech)
19637–34–33rdNone
19646–3–14–2–13rdNone
19658–2–15–1–12ndSugar Bowl (W, 20–10 vs. Florida)
19666–3–13–3–14thNone
19677–35–22ndNone
19688–35–22ndGator Bowl (W, 20–17 vs. Alabama)
19699–26–11st (Co-champions)Orange Bowl (L, 14–15 vs. Penn State)
19705–62–57thNone

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1975–1980)

As an independent, Devine led Notre Dame to a 53–16–1 record (.764 winning percentage) over six seasons, with four bowl appearances and a 3–1 record. His 1977 team finished 11–1 and claimed the .
YearOverall RecordConferenceStandingNotes
19758–3IndependentN/ANone
19769–3IndependentN/A (W, 20–17 vs. Penn State)
197711–1IndependentN/ACotton Bowl (W, 38–10 vs. ; )
19789–3IndependentN/ACotton Bowl (W, 38–10 vs. )
19797–4IndependentN/ANone
19809–2–1IndependentN/A (L, 7–31 vs. Georgia)

NFL Record

Dan Devine served as of the from 1971 to 1974, during which the team achieved a regular season record of 25 wins, 27 losses, and 4 ties. This tenure included one playoff appearance in 1972, where the Packers lost their divisional round game to the Washington Redskins by a score of 16-3. The following table summarizes the year-by-year performance, including regular season results, home and away splits, and NFC Central division finishes.
YearRegular Season (W-L-T)Home (W-L-T)Away (W-L-T)NFC Central FinishPlayoffs (W-L)
19714-8-23-3-11-5-14th—
197210-4-05-3-05-1-01st0-1
19735-7-24-1-21-6-03rd—
19746-8-05-3-01-5-03rd—
Data compiled from Pro-Football-Reference.com. Over the four seasons, the Packers recorded 17 home wins, 10 home losses, and 3 home ties, contrasted with a road performance of 8 wins, 17 losses, and 1 tie. The team's overall winning percentage of .481 fell slightly below the NFL's approximate .500 average during this era, reflecting a mixed performance in a competitive .

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