Marion Campbell, Former NFL HC and Defensive Guru, Passes Away

Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Marion Campbell passed away Sunday at the age of 87.

One of the NFL’s prized “60 minute men,” who played on both sides of the ball, Marion Campbell embodied the city of Philadelphia like no other. Campbell was a member of both the offensive and defensive line throughout his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, and helped them to a championship in 1960.

Owner and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released this statement on the Eagles website regarding the passing of Campbell.

"“Marion Campbell will be missed by the Eagles community, but also remembered for his spirited impact on our game. Like Chuck Bednarik, he was a great two-way player during a special era in NFL history. He played with the type of toughness that our town so deeply admires.”"

After playing for the Eagles, Campbell was hired as their defensive coordinator in 1977 by Dick Vermeil. During his six year span in that role, the Eagles allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

Campbell would go on to be the teams’ head coach from 1983-1985, winning 17 games. He also served two stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons over the course of six seasons.

Long-time radio announcer and “voice of the Philadelphia Eagles” Merrill Reese also helped remember Campbell Sunday evening.

Eagles historian and Hall of Fame sports writer Ray Didinger said Campbell played most of the 1960 season with torn ligaments in his ankle. This included the 1960 NFL Championship game, which the Eagles won against the Green Bay Packers.

Campbell is the second former Philadelphia Eagles head coach to pass in less than a month. Buddy Ryan, who also specialized on the defensive side of the ball, passed on June 28.