Aaron Kromer: NFL Head Coach Bio

Aaron Kromer is a respected American football coach with a long-standing reputation as an offensive line specialist and coordinator in both the NFL and college football ranks.

• Born: April 30, 1967, Sandusky, Ohio
• Alma Mater: Miami University (Ohio), where he played as an offensive tackle (1987–1989)

Playing Career

Aaron Kromer played college football at Miami (Ohio) as an offensive tackle, lettering from 1987 to
1989. He did not play professionally, instead transitioning to coaching after his college career.

Coaching Career Highlights

• Miami (Ohio): Started as a graduate assistant and OL coach (1990–1998)
• Northwestern University: Offensive line coach (1999–2000)
• Oakland Raiders (NFL): Assistant OL coach (2001–2004); part of the staff that reached Super Bowl XXXVII
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL): Offensive line coach (2005–2007)
• New Orleans Saints (NFL): Running backs coach (2008), then offensive line coach (2009–2012); won Super Bowl XLIV in 2009
• Interim Head Coach, Saints (2012): Served as interim head coach for first six games of the 2012 season during Sean Payton’s suspension; record: 2–4
• Chicago Bears (NFL): Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach (2013–2014)
• Buffalo Bills (NFL): Offensive line coach (2015–2016, 2022–present)
• Los Angeles Rams (NFL): Run game coordinator and OL coach (2017–2020); helped Rams reach Super Bowl LIII

Accomplishments & Notable Facts

• Super Bowl Champion: XLIV (Saints, 2009)
• Recognized for developing elite offensive lines and contributing to top rushing attacks
• Interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints (2012), compiling a 2–4 record
• Key to Rams’ highly ranked offenses and Pro Bowl linemen development

Aaron Kromer is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive line minds, with a proven record of elevating run games and protecting quarterbacks. Though not a full-time NFL head coach, his interim stint and consistent coaching success make him a respected leader and teacher in the league.

Legacy & Career Overview

Aaron Kromer: NFL Head Coach and Respected Offensive Line Guru

Aaron Kromer is a highly respected figure in the National Football League, renowned for his expertise as an offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. While Kromer has spent the vast majority of his professional football career as an assistant coach, he notably served as the interim head coach of the New Orleans Saints during the 2012 NFL season. His extensive coaching journey, marked by innovation, leadership, and the development of elite offensive lines, has made him a valuable asset to every organization he’s joined.

Early Life and Playing Career

Aaron Kromer was born on April 30, 1967, in Sandusky, Ohio. He developed a passion for football early in life, leading him to play college football at Miami University in Ohio—an institution known for producing successful coaches and football minds. As a player, Kromer was an offensive lineman, a position that would define his future coaching specialty. While he did not pursue an NFL playing career, his understanding of the game and the intricacies of line play set the stage for his transition into coaching.

Coaching Career: Early Years

Kromer began his coaching career at his alma mater, Miami (OH), where he coached the offensive line from 1990 to
1998. He then moved to Northwestern University, serving as the offensive line coach from 1999 to
2000. These early stints allowed Kromer to develop his coaching philosophy and hone his ability to teach and motivate young athletes.

Entry into the NFL

Aaron Kromer made the leap to the NFL in 2001, joining the Oakland Raiders as an assistant offensive line coach. He was promoted to offensive line coach in 2002, holding the role through the 2004 season. During his time with Oakland, Kromer was part of the coaching staff that helped guide the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII in the 2002 season, where their offense was one of the league's best.

After his time with the Raiders, Kromer had stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-2007), working under legendary head coach Jon Gruden as a senior assistant/offensive line coach. His work further cemented his reputation as a skilled developer of offensive line talent.

New Orleans Saints: Super Bowl Champion and Interim Head Coach

Kromer joined the New Orleans Saints in 2008 as the running backs coach before quickly being promoted to offensive line coach. Under head coach Sean Payton, Kromer played a pivotal role in developing one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines, protecting quarterback Drew Brees and helping the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV in the 2009 season. His lines were consistently among the league’s best in both pass protection and run blocking, and several of his players earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

In 2012, amid the fallout from the Saints' "Bountygate" scandal, head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season. Aaron Kromer was named interim head coach for the first six games while assistant head coach Joe Vitt served a separate suspension. During his tenure as interim head coach, Kromer posted a 2-4 record. Though his stint was brief, it highlighted his leadership skills and adaptability in challenging circumstances.

Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills: Offensive Coordinator and Line Coach

After leaving New Orleans, Kromer was hired by the Chicago Bears as their offensive coordinator and offensive line coach (2013-2014) under head coach Marc Trestman. In Chicago, Kromer oversaw an offense that ranked among the league's best in passing in his first year. However, the team struggled with consistency and discipline, leading to a staff overhaul after the 2014 season.

Kromer then joined the Buffalo Bills in 2015 as their offensive line coach. He helped the Bills lead the NFL in rushing yards per game that season, further enhancing his reputation as a run-game specialist. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach (2017-2020)—where he played a crucial role in developing a top-tier rushing attack and helping the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII—Kromer returned to the Bills in 2022 as their offensive line coach.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Kromer is widely respected for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and ability to maximize the potential of his players. He is known for creating cohesive units capable of both protecting the quarterback and dominating on the ground. Several offensive linemen have reached Pro Bowl and All-Pro status under his guidance, including Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, and Andrew Whitworth.

Personal Life and Notable Facts

• Super Bowl Champion: Part of the Saints coaching staff that won Super Bowl XLIV.
• Interim Head Coach: Led the New Orleans Saints for six games in 2012 (record: 2-4).
• Offensive Line Expertise: Known for developing elite offensive lines and innovative run schemes.
• Teams Coached: Miami (OH), Northwestern, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams.
• Player Development: Coached multiple Pro Bowlers and All-Pros; instrumental in the careers of many top linemen.

Conclusion

Aaron Kromer’s journey through the NFL is a testament to his adaptability, football intelligence, and leadership. While he may be best known as a position coach and coordinator, his brief experience as an NFL head coach and his crucial role in multiple Super Bowl runs underscore his impact on the game. As of 2024, Kromer continues to shape offensive lines and contribute to winning football, leaving a legacy as one of the premier line coaches of his generation.