Longhorns Kyle Shanahan Takes Down Aggies Dan Campbell in NFC Championship Showdown
After Sunday night's NFC Championship game, the San Francisco 49ers are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, Feb. 11, in Las Vegas.
In the NFC matchup between the 49ers and Detroit Lions, there was a nostalgic Texas vs. Texas A&M clash on the sidelines as the head coaches, former Longhorn Kyle Shanahan and Aggie Dan Campbell, both have roots in the Lone Star State.
Overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit, the 49ers staged a remarkable comeback, securing a 34-31 victory against the Lions in the NFC Championship Game. This win propelled the franchise to its eighth appearance in the Super Bowl.
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Shanahan refined his receiving skills alongside Chris Simms and Major Applewhite during his time with the 2001 and 2002 Texas Longhorns teams. In contrast, Dan Campbell, known for his fiery leadership, contributed as a tight end for the Aggies, playing 48 games from 1995 to 1998.
While Shanahan has led a team to a Super Bowl, experiencing a loss against Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, Campbell truly excelled as a player.
On the opposing team's headset, Campbell's fiery coaching style helped lead the Lions on a deep playoff run after 32 years without a playoff win.
Recognized with the prestigious Aggie Heart Award, Campbell's college career at Texas A&M included 27 receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns and his proficiency as a blocker led to his selection by the Giants in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft.
Over his career, Campbell played for the Giants, Cowboys, and Lions, with a stint on injured reserve with the Saints during their Super Bowl-winning season.
Shanahan's playing career, while not as illustrious, showcased his contributions to a team boasting a potent offense with Simms, Applewhite, Cedric Benson, Roy Williams, B.J. Johnson, and Sloan Thomas.
He was also part of the 2001 Texas team that narrowly missed a shot at a national title. Shanahan, a transfer from Duke, displayed his skills with seven catches for 65 yards that season, including three receptions in a triumph over Houston at Robertson Stadium.
In 2002, the team secured a No. 6 spot in the final rankings, and Shanahan continued to contribute with seven catches for 62 yards. Although the NFL wasn't in Shanahan's playing trajectory, just four years after graduating from Texas, he assumed the role of the Houston Texans' receivers coach.
Shanahan has carved out a successful career in the NFL, distinguishing himself as one of the league's top offensive minds. Shanahan's strategic prowess and ability to maximize player performance have contributed to the 49er's success, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the NFL coaching landscape.