Dan Reeves, American football player and coach

Daniel Edward Reeves: A Storied NFL Career as Player and Coach

Daniel Edward Reeves (January 19, 1944 – January 1, 2022) left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL), distinguishing himself across 38 remarkable years as both a tenacious running back and a highly influential head coach. His extensive involvement in the league culminated in an astonishing nine Super Bowl appearances, a feat that places him among the most experienced individuals in championship history, ranking third all-time for total Super Bowl participation.

Reeves's leadership as a head coach spanned 23 seasons, a testament to his enduring presence and strategic acumen. He helmed three prominent NFL franchises: the Denver Broncos from 1981 to 1992, the New York Giants from 1993 to 1996, and the Atlanta Falcons from 1997 to 2003.

The Playing Years: Dallas Cowboys Undrafted Gem

Reeves's NFL journey began as a player, an eight-season career spent exclusively with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 1965, a challenging path for aspiring professionals, Reeves quickly proved his worth. He was known for his versatility and toughness, often excelling as a blocking back and receiver out of the backfield, complementing the Cowboys' potent rushing attack. His dedication allowed him to carve out a significant role for the "America's Team" dynasty of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Transition to Coaching: Learning from a Legend

Upon concluding his playing career in 1972, Reeves seamlessly transitioned to the coaching ranks, immediately joining the Cowboys' staff as an assistant. Working under the tutelage of legendary coach Tom Landry, Reeves gained invaluable experience in strategic planning and player development. His tenure as an assistant saw the Cowboys continue their dominant run, making three more championship appearances during this period. Notably, he was part of the coaching staff that secured the Cowboys' second Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XII, a commanding 27-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, a team he would later lead.

Head Coaching Tenure: Building Contenders Across the League

Denver Broncos: The Elway Era and Super Bowl Heartbreak

In 1981, Reeves took the reins as head coach of the Denver Broncos, inheriting a franchise that had seen limited post-season success. Over his twelve seasons in Denver, he transformed the team into a perennial AFC powerhouse, particularly after the arrival of Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. Reeves engineered an offensive system tailored to Elway's unique talents and cultivated a tenacious "Orange Crush" defense, leading the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances: Super Bowl XXI, Super Bowl XXII, and Super Bowl XXIV. Despite their remarkable journey to the sport's biggest stage, each of these championship games ended in defeat. While the Super Bowl victories eluded them, Reeves's pivotal role in establishing the Broncos as a dominant force during this era remains a defining chapter in franchise history.

New York Giants: A Brief But Impactful Stint

Following his departure from Denver, Reeves took on the head coaching role for the New York Giants in 1993. Over four seasons, he continued to demonstrate his coaching prowess, notably leading the Giants to a playoff berth in his inaugural year and earning the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. His time in New York highlighted his ability to rebuild and revitalize established franchises.

Atlanta Falcons: The "Dirty Bird" Era and Another Super Bowl Run

Reeves became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 1997, where he spent seven seasons. His most celebrated season with the Falcons came in 1998, a magical year that saw him lead the franchise to its first-ever championship appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII. The "Dirty Bird" Falcons, known for their high-energy play and unique end-zone celebrations, captivated fans across the league. Poignantly, this Super Bowl pitted Reeves against his former team, the Denver Broncos, led by John Elway, in a highly anticipated narrative showdown. While the Falcons ultimately fell short, Reeves's achievement in guiding Atlanta to their Super Bowl debut solidified his reputation as a coach capable of elevating teams to unprecedented heights.

A Legacy of Wins and a Hall of Fame Debate

Daniel Reeves is recognized as one of only nine NFL head coaches to achieve the significant milestone of 200 career regular season wins, placing him in an elite class of coaching legends. His consistency is further highlighted by his remarkable playoff record.

Despite his extensive list of accomplishments, including more than 200 career wins, Daniel Reeves remains one of only two eligible NFL head coaches with such a record (alongside Marty Schottenheimer) not yet enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This ongoing omission is a frequent topic of debate among football historians and fans, who often point to his sustained success across multiple franchises, his significant contributions as both a player and coach, and his impressive playoff track record as strong arguments for his eventual induction into Canton.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Reeves

When was Daniel Reeves born and when did he pass away?
Daniel Edward Reeves was born on January 19, 1944, and passed away on January 1, 2022.
How many Super Bowls did Daniel Reeves participate in during his NFL career?
Daniel Reeves participated in nine Super Bowls in various capacities (as a player, assistant coach, and head coach), which is the third most for an individual in NFL history.
Which NFL teams did Daniel Reeves play for?
Daniel Reeves played his entire eight-season professional career as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 1965.
Which NFL teams did Daniel Reeves coach as a head coach?
Daniel Reeves served as the head coach for the Denver Broncos (1981-1992), the New York Giants (1993-1996), and the Atlanta Falcons (1997-2003).
Did Daniel Reeves win a Super Bowl as a player or coach?
Yes, Daniel Reeves won Super Bowl VI as a player with the Dallas Cowboys. He also won Super Bowl XII as an assistant coach with the Cowboys. While he led the Broncos and Falcons to a combined four Super Bowl appearances as a head coach, his teams did not win the championship in those games.
Is Daniel Reeves in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
As of now, Daniel Reeves is not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is one of only two eligible NFL head coaches with over 200 career wins to not yet be enshrined.
What is Daniel Reeves known for as a head coach?
Daniel Reeves is known for his consistency, leading multiple teams to playoff success and Super Bowl appearances, and his ability to develop talent. He is particularly recognized for his time with the Denver Broncos during the John Elway era and for guiding the Atlanta Falcons to their first Super Bowl appearance.