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Offensive Line
Fourth season as NFL coach
Fourth season with Packers
James Campen begins his fourth campaign as a Packers coach, his ninth overall with the organization.
Promoted to offensive line coach Jan. 15, 2007, by Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Campen moves up from his position as assistant offensive line coach in McCarthy's first season at the helm. Prior to that, Campen filled the role of assistant offensive line/quality control coach for two seasons following nine years in the high school ranks.
A natural teacher, Campen in 2006 worked hands-on with three rookie offensive linemen in guards Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz and tackle/guard Tony Moll, a trio that could form Green Bay's foundation up front for many years to come. Working closely with Joe Philbin, now the offensive coordinator, Campen helped teach the new zone-blocking scheme, and all of the Packers' young linemen should benefit from a seamless transition with Campen taking over the offensive line.
In 2005, Campen made his mark tutoring young linemen as current starting center Scott Wells, then in just his second year, filled in at center for an injured Mike Flanagan on several occasions and for eight games at guard after coaches altered the lineup. He also worked with blocking tight end Kevin Barry and helped Chad Clifton be named an alternate for the Pro Bowl, while seventh-round draft pick William Whitticker started 14 games at guard and became the team's lowest-drafted rookie to start the season opener since 1972.
Campen's direction helped the Packers' trench men in 2004 pave the way for the NFL's third-ranked offense, including team records for total first downs (354), net yards (6,357), net yards passing (4,449), completions (382) and fewest sacks allowed (14). He helped guide a unit that blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher for a sixth consecutive season and established a franchise record. His assistance helped Marco Rivera to be voted to the Pro Bowl, the first Green Bay O-lineman in 33 years to make three straight all-star appearances.
Formerly a player with the Packers, Campen was a Plan B free agency addition from the New Orleans Saints in 1989. He played in 15 games for Green Bay that '89 season, then took over as the starter at center in 1990, starting all 16 games and grading out as the most consistent member of the offensive line. He also was named to the USA Today All-Pro team following his '90 campaign. The 43-year-old Campen went on to play in 13 games in both 1991 and '92, missing three contests in '91 because of a calf injury and three others in '92 with a strained knee. Green Bay's starting center Sept. 27, 1992, vs. Pittsburgh, Campen literally launched Brett Favre's current 237-game starting streak, an NFL record among quarterbacks. His playing career came to an end in 1993 when he suffered a torn hamstring in Week 4 at Dallas (Oct. 3) and later underwent season-ending surgery. Campen played in 61 games overall with the Packers, making 42 of 48 starts from 1990-92.
Campen broke into the National Football League by talking his way into a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints in 1986 after going undrafted. Waived during training camp, he made the New Orleans roster in 1987 on his second try and started three games for the Saints. He subsequently was active for 12 games in 1988, playing in three.
A two-year starter at Tulane (1984-85), Campen as a senior received the school's 'Dr. Eamon Kelley Award,' honoring the class' top student athlete who bettered the campus and community. He was the first football player to serve as a resident advisor in the dormitory. Campen had earlier begun his collegiate career at Sacramento (Calif.) City Junior College (1982-83).
Campen began his coaching career as defensive coordinator at his prep alma mater, Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs, Calif. After four seasons, he was named head coach and went 29-20-1 over the next five years, competing in the Sierra Valley Conference, one of the most competitive high school leagues in the state. As a Ponderosa student-athlete, he earned two letters in football and three in wrestling.
Possessor of a B.A. degree in social science with an emphasis in criminal justice, Campen served as a reserve deputy sheriff in New Orleans and volunteered with the Green Bay Police Department in a similar capacity while a Packers player.
Born in Sacramento, Calif., Campen and his family make their home in Suamico, Wis. Campen takes time to be involved in the community, giving talks to local groups.
CAMPEN AT A GLANCE
- Joined Packers Feb. 27, 2004, as assistant offensive line/quality control; promoted by Mike McCarthy to assistant offensive line coach, Jan. 17, 2006, and to offensive line coach Jan. 15, 2007.
- Coached nine seasons in the high school ranks before returning to Green Bay in 2004.
- Played in 61 games with the Packers, including 42 starts. Was center for quarterback Brett Favre's first start, Sept. 27, 1992, vs. Pittsburgh.
- Selected as a team captain at every level of football.
- Possessor of a B.A. degree in criminal justice, served as a reserve deputy sheriff in New Orleans and volunteered with the Green Bay Police Department in a similar capacity while a Packers player.
| Year | College/Pro Team | Position Coached |
| 2004-05 | Green Bay Packers | Assistant Offensive Line/Quality Control |
| 2006 | Green Bay Packers | Assistant Offensive Line |
| 2007 | Green Bay Packers | Offensive Line |