Dan Devine was born on December 22, 1924 in Proctor, Wisconsin. Growing up, he was an exceptional track athlete and quarterback at his high school, earning him the nickname "The Proctor Flash." His talent on the field caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to play college football at the University of Minnesota.
After graduating from college, Devine began his coaching career at Michigan State in 1950 as an assistant coach. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the head coach at Arizona State in 1955. Devine's success at Arizona State caught the eye of Notre Dame, where he was hired as the head coach in 1959.
Devine had a successful tenure at Notre Dame, leading the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1977. He was known for his strategic coaching style and ability to motivate his players. However, his time at Notre Dame was not without controversy, as he clashed with the administration and some members of the team.
In 1980, Devine announced his retirement from Notre Dame, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife. Despite his retirement, his legacy at the university lived on, as he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
After leaving Notre Dame, Devine spent four tumultuous years as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He took over the team from Phil Bengtson, who had succeeded the legendary Vince Lombardi. While Devine had some success with the Packers, including a playoff appearance in 1982, he ultimately did not live up to the high expectations set by Lombardi.
Throughout his coaching career, Devine was known for his dedication to the game of football and his ability to develop young talent. He was a respected figure in the coaching community, known for his strategic mind and attention to detail.
After retiring from coaching, Devine remained active in the football community, serving as a commentator and analyst for various sports networks. He continued to mentor young coaches and players, leaving a lasting impact on the sport he loved.
Despite the controversies and challenges he faced throughout his career, Devine's legacy as a successful and respected coach endures. His contributions to the game of football will be remembered for generations to come.