Coach Campbell was named the Associate Head Coach after the 2017 season. Campbell has been the Defensive Coordinator since 2013 and worked alongside Head Coach Chuck Morrell dating back to the 2010 season at the University of South Dakota. This year is the eighth at Montana Tech for Campbell.
The Oredigger defense produced four All-Conference selections including a third for defensive lineman Tyler Sanders and second for defensive back Andre Brown. Linebacker Connor Wines led the Frontier Conference in sacks with 10. The Diggers ranked first in the Frontier and 12th in the NAIA in opponent third down conversions. Tech ranked 20th in the nation in total sacks.
In 2016, the Montana Tech defense was once again dominant in the Frontier Conference Ranking first in five defensive categories and second in three. Nationally, Campbell’s defense was ranked in the top 25 in eight different categories: fifth in opponent completion percentage (.489), eighth in rushing TD’s allowed (10 allowed), tenth in total sacks (33 on the season), 11th in scoring defense (19.2 pts/game), 13th in rushing defense (124.5 yards/game), 15th in pass defense efficiency (109.3), 22nd in opponent third down conversion percentage and 24th in total defense. After the 2016 season, six defensive players were selected All-Conference led by senior safety Gunnar Kayser. Kayser was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award as well as selected second team AFCA All-America and the Defensive Player of the Year for the Frontier Conference.
2015 was an exciting year for the Digger Defense as they finished ranked in the top 25 in seven different defensive categories. Campbell’s defenses were stifling on fourth downs and finished ranked first in the country in fourth down conversion percentage. The multiple style of defense that Campbell implemented allowed 13 different defenders to register sacks. The havoc causing defense registered 40 total sacks, ranking fourth nationally. The 2015 defense finished the season ranked 12th in scoring defense, 13th in opponent third down conversion percentage, 15th in total defense per game, 16th in total pass defense and 21st in rushing defense per game.
In Campbell’s first season as Defensive Coordinator, the Montana Tech Defense ranked 7th in the country in quarterback sacks, averaging 3.3 per game and 33 total on the season. At the end of the 2013 season, they were in the top three in the Frontier Conference in six different categories: scoring defense, total defense per game, pass defense per game, sacks, opponent first downs and opponent third down conversion.
In 2012, Montana Tech’s special teams unit turned in one of the best seasons in the programs history. Campbell’s punt squad led the Frontier Conference and ranked 11th in the nation as punter Travis Farewell was selected first team All-Conference averaging 39.8 yards per punt.
In Campbell’s six years directing the linebacker corps, he has coached at least one All-Conference performer in each season. He was also instrumental in developing and mentoring Montana Tech linebacker Ryan Jones who was signed by the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. Under his leadership, Campbell has guided 6 linebackers to All-Conference, including David Meis who in 2015, was selected to the first team and was also named second team AFCA All-America.
Prior to Montana Tech, Campbell spent two seasons at the University of South Dakota coaching outside linebackers with a brief stint working with the running backs and fullbacks. Campbell was involved in coaching the special teams working with kickers and punters. In Campbell’s last season at USD, he was a member of the coaching staff that defeated the University of Minnesota in the school’s first ever win over a BCS opponent.
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Campbell went to USD after a four-year playing career at Wayne State College. As a standout defensive back, Campbell played a key role in WSC’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2008. Campbell started all 12 games and had 37 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups to earn All-NSIC South Division honors. In 2007, Campbell had 18 assisted tackles, 22 assists and a team-high five interceptions. In his collegiate career, Campbell registered 50 solo tackles and 38 assists along with eight interceptions.
A certified strength and conditioning specialist through NSCA, Campbell earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State in 2008. Campbell earned his masters of arts in Exercise Science and Athletic Administration from the University of South Dakota.
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Coach Campbell, a native of Vermillion, SD, lives in Butte with his wife, Brandi and two children Jaylon and Kiera.
