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Early Life and Entry into Coaching

Dan Devine (December 23, 1924 May 9, 2002) emerged from small-town Wisconsin with a drive that would carry him to the pinnacle of American college football. Raised in the Upper Midwest, he played college football at Duluth State Teachers College (now Minnesota Duluth), where he learned the tactical discipline that became a trademark of his coaching. After graduation, he entered the profession at the high school level, quickly earning a reputation for organization and accountability. His work earned him a spot on the staff at Michigan State in the early 1950s, where he absorbed lessons under notable Spartan leadership, including Duffy Daugherty, on how to manage large programs and cultivate depth across a roster.

Arizona State: Building a Foundation

Devine landed his first college head coaching job at Arizona State in 1955. In three seasons he turned the program into a Border Conference powerhouse, guiding the Sun Devils to a dominant record and establishing standards of conditioning and preparation that endured long after his departure. The foundation he laid proved vital for his successor, Frank Kush, who would later sustain ASU as a national contender. Devine left Tempe with a reputation as a meticulous planner whose teams were fundamentally sound and rarely beat themselves.

Missouri Tigers: A National Power in the Heartland

In 1958 Devine took over at Missouri, where across 13 seasons he transformed the Tigers into one of the most respected programs in the nation. His Missouri teams were tough, defense-first, and opportunistic on special teams, traits that reflected both his Midwestern roots and his insistence on detail. He recruited and developed future stars such as Roger Wehrli, Johnny Roland, and Mel Gray, and he relied on trusted assistants like Al Onofrio to maintain continuity and player development. Devine guided Missouri to major bowls and national top-10 finishes, crafting signature wins that put the Tigers on the national map. A highlight came with a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida, achieved against a Gators squad led by quarterback Steve Spurrier, and Missouri under Devine also made prominent Orange Bowl appearances. By the time he left Columbia, the Tigers were a model of sustained excellence in the old Big Eight, and Onofrio succeeded him with the program on firm footing.

Green Bay Packers: Pressure and Resilience in the NFL

Devine entered the NFL in 1971 as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, stepping into the most scrutinized sideline in professional football in the long shadow of Vince Lombardi. He followed Phil Bengtson and inherited a roster in transition, heavy with expectations but light on stability at quarterback. Early in his tenure he suffered a broken leg in a sideline collision, a visceral symbol of a difficult period marked by close games and harsh public scrutiny. Devine leaned on a core that included running backs John Brockington and MacArthur Lane and kicker Chester Marcol, and he engineered a division title, yet the tenure is often remembered for the costly midseason trade for quarterback John Hadl, a move criticized for its heavy draft-pick price. By 1974 the turbulence proved too great, and Devine exited the franchise; Packers legend Bart Starr succeeded him as head coach. The experience hardened Devine and clarified his strengths, particularly his aptitude for college environments where long-term culture building mattered most.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Championship Peak

In 1975 Devine succeeded Ara Parseghian at Notre Dame, inheriting a blue-blood program with sky-high expectations. He responded by restoring the Irish to the sport's summit. His 1977 team, anchored by quarterback Joe Montana and a star-studded defense featuring Ross Browner and Luther Bradley, along with tight end Ken MacAfee and backs Vagas Ferguson and Jerome Heavens, captured the national championship. Devine's surprise decision to unveil green jerseys against USC that season became an iconic Notre Dame moment, energizing the team to a resounding win over John Robinson's Trojans. The following year, Montana orchestrated the famed Cotton Bowl comeback over Houston the Chicken Soup Game that cemented both quarterback and coach in Irish lore. Devine's staff managed roster transitions with steady hands, and his program emphasized discipline and special teams excellence. He left Notre Dame after the 1980 season with a sterling record, handing the reins to Gerry Faust.

Philosophy, People, and Leadership

Devine's teams shared common DNA: rugged defenses, crisp special teams, and a balanced offense that adjusted to personnel rather than forcing a scheme. He prized assistant coaches who taught fundamentals and recruited to fit his standards, with figures like Al Onofrio playing integral roles across multiple stops. He insisted on practice precision and was known to script in detail, an approach that resonated with players such as Joe Montana, Roger Wehrli, and Johnny Roland, who credited Devine's structure and accountability for their development. He also understood the grandeur and pressure of institutions he served; at Notre Dame he followed Ara Parseghian and preceded Gerry Faust, and in Green Bay he navigated the post-Lombardi era, succeeding Phil Bengtson and preceding Bart Starr. Devine was, at his best, a builder of culture and confidence, comfortable stewarding tradition while making bold, situational decisions.

Later Years, Recognition, and Cultural Memory

Devine was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach, a recognition of his cumulative impact at Arizona State, Missouri, and Notre Dame. He remained a respected voice in the sport and a mentor to younger coaches. His legacy even crossed into popular culture: the film Rudy portrayed him during the 1970s Notre Dame era, sparking public debate but also reinforcing how central he was to the school's mythology and to the lives of the players who passed through his doors. Despite occasional controversies and the inevitable headwinds that accompany high-profile posts, former players often emphasized his integrity, preparation, and competitiveness.

Personal Life and Passing

Devine was a private, family-oriented man who preferred the practice field and film room to the spotlight. He valued loyalty and long-term relationships with colleagues and players, many of whom stayed connected with him well after their playing days. Dan Devine died on May 9, 2002, in South Bend, Indiana. He left behind a career that spanned the high school fields of the Midwest to national championship stages and the NFL's most storied franchise. Across decades and institutions, from Arizona State to Missouri to Notre Dame, and through chapters shared with figures like Duffy Daugherty, Ara Parseghian, Joe Montana, and Gerry Faust, Devine's work shaped programs, influenced generations of players, and etched his name among the most accomplished coaches in college football history.