College After going undrafted in the
1996 NFL draft, Bevell began a career in coaching, including stints at
Westmar University (
Le Mars, IA),
Iowa State University, and the
University of Connecticut.
National Football League Seattle Seahawks In 2013, the Seahawks finished the season with a 13–3 record and eventually defeated the
Denver Broncos by a score of 43–8 in
Super Bowl XLVIII. Bevell's rushing offense was fourth in the league with 2,188 yards and averaged 136.8 yards per game. Overall, in total offense, Bevell's team finished 18th in the league, producing 339.0 yards per game. In 2014, the Seahawks finished the season at 12–4 and attempted to repeat as Super Bowl champions. They came short in
Super Bowl XLIX, which they lost to the
New England Patriots after passing on 2nd and goal from the one-yard line with 26 seconds left. Trailing 28–24,
Russell Wilson targeted wide receiver
Ricardo Lockette, but New England cornerback
Malcolm Butler intercepted Wilson's pass with 20 seconds left on the clock. The play call was widely criticized. "I can't believe the call," NBC color commentator
Cris Collinsworth said after the play was run. "You have
Marshawn Lynch. You have a guy who's been borderline unstoppable. ... If I lose this Super Bowl because Marshawn Lynch can't get into the end zone, so be it. So be it. I can't believe the call".
Sports Illustrated writer
Peter King called the play one of the worst calls in Super Bowl history, and so did retired NFL hall of famer
Deion Sanders. Retired running back
Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, went even further, calling it the worst play call in the history of football. Bevell acknowledged making the call, Wilson said the play was a "good call", and lamented throwing the interception and "not making that play." Head coach
Pete Carroll, though, said the last play was "all my fault", and called Bevell "crucially important to our future." Bevell was dismissed from the Seahawks in January 2018.
Detroit Lions On January 16, 2019, Bevell was hired by the
Detroit Lions to be their offensive coordinator, replacing
Jim Bob Cooter. On November 28, 2020, Bevell assumed the title of interim head coach following the firing of head coach
Matt Patricia. On December 6, Bevell won his head coaching debut against the
Chicago Bears by a score of 34–30. He missed the team's week 16 matchup against the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to
COVID-19 protocols.
Jacksonville Jaguars On January 21, 2021, Bevell was hired by the
Jacksonville Jaguars as their offensive coordinator under new head coach
Urban Meyer. For the second consecutive season, Bevell was named interim head coach after the Jaguars fired Meyer following a 2–11 start to the season.
Miami Dolphins On February 16, 2022, Bevell was hired by the
Miami Dolphins to serve as the team's quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
Carolina Panthers On February 11, 2026, Bevell was hired to serve as the associate head coach/offensive specialist for the
Carolina Panthers under head coach
Dave Canales. ==Head coaching record==