Mike Campbell (May 9, 1922 – June 16, 1998) was an American football player and coach. …who was a long-time assistant of Darrell Royal, first at Mississippi State, then Washington, and mostly Texas.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Campbell played college football at the University of Mississippi….and was drafted in the 32nd round of the 1946 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins….but chose not to play professional football.
He began coaching soon after his playing career, becoming highly successful in the Mississippi High School ranks at Gulf Coast Military Academy, Canton, and Vicksburg….when he was hired by then-Mississippi State coach Royal in 1955….and went with him to University of Washington….and later to the University of Texas as Austin….where in 1967, he was placed in charge of the Longhorn defense….and then in 1974 was named assistant head coach.
After Royal’s retirement in 1976, Campbell was snubbed in favor of Fred Akers for Royal’s succession….which was a decision that was a source of controversy among Texas fans…..so, Campbell retired from coaching shortly thereafter.
