Al Groh - NFL Head Coach Biography

Al Groh is a veteran football coach whose career spans over four decades at both the collegiate and professional levels. Known for his defensive acumen and leadership, Groh has left a significant imprint on several major football programs.

• Early Life & Playing Career:
  Al Groh was born on July 13, 1944, in New York City. He played college football at the University of Virginia, serving as a linebacker and earning a degree before moving into coaching.


• Collegiate Coaching Career:
  Groh began his coaching journey as an assistant at Virginia, later moving through positions at Army, North Carolina, Air Force, and Wake Forest. He gained recognition as a defensive strategist and recruiter.
  • In 2001, he became the head coach at the University of Virginia, a position he held for nine seasons (2001-2009), compiling a record of 59–53 and earning the ACC Coach of the Year award in 2002.


• NFL Coaching Career:
  Al Groh’s NFL experience is extensive, primarily as an assistant and coordinator:
  • New York Giants: Served in various assistant roles under Bill Parcells, including linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.
  • New England Patriots: Defensive Coordinator (1993–1996).
  • New York Jets: Assistant coach under Parcells, then became Head Coach in 2000. Led the Jets to a 9–7 record in his lone season at the helm.
  • Atlanta Falcons: Linebackers coach (1978–1980).
  • Cleveland Browns: Defensive coordinator (1992).
  • Houston Oilers: Tight ends coach (1989–1990).


• Other Notable Facts and Accomplishments:
  • Groh is known as one of the top disciples of Bill Parcells, and his coaching tree includes several successful assistants.
  • He won two Super Bowls (XXI, XXV) as an assistant with the New York Giants.
  • After leaving Virginia, Groh returned to college as defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech (2010–2012).
  • His son, Mike Groh, is also a football coach with NFL experience.

Legacy:
Al Groh’s career is marked by adaptability and a deep understanding of defensive football. From his time as a collegiate head coach to his single season guiding the New York Jets, Groh has been respected as a teacher, mentor, and tactician in the football community.

Legacy & Career Overview

Al Groh: A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
Al Groh was born on July 13, 1944, in New York City, New York. Raised in Manhasset, New York, Groh developed an early love for football, a passion that would shape the course of his professional life for decades to come. He attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in both football and lacrosse. College Playing Career
Groh continued his athletic journey at the University of Virginia, playing linebacker for the Virginia Cavaliers from 1963 to
1965. During his college career, Groh was recognized for his intelligence on the field and leadership abilities, traits that would later define his coaching style. He earned his degree in 1967, before briefly dabbling in a business career and coaching high school football. Early Coaching Career
Al Groh’s coaching career began in earnest in the early 1970s, with assistant positions at several colleges, including Army, North Carolina, and Wake Forest. His defensive acumen quickly became apparent, earning him posts as a defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. Groh’s first head coaching job came at Wake Forest in 1981, where he led the program for one season, finishing with a 1–10 record. Entry into the NFL
Groh’s big break came when he joined the National Football League as an assistant coach, working under legendary coaches such as Bill Parcells. He served in various roles with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots. His most significant early NFL tenure was with the New York Giants, where he was part of the coaching staff that won Super Bowl XXI at the conclusion of the 1986 season. Groh’s reputation as a defensive strategist grew, and his relationship with Parcells would prove pivotal throughout his NFL career. New York Jets Head Coach
In 2000, after Parcells stepped down as head coach of the New York Jets, Groh was named the team's head coach. This was Groh's only season as an NFL head coach. He led the Jets to a 9–7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Despite the respectable performance, Groh surprised many by resigning after just one season to take the head coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Virginia. Coaching Career at the University of Virginia
Groh served as the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers from 2001 to
2009. Over his tenure, he compiled a 59–53 record, including appearances in five bowl games. Under Groh’s guidance, UVA won the 2002 Continental Tire Bowl and the 2005 Music City Bowl. He was named the ACC Coach of the Year in 2002 and
2007. Groh was known for his pro-style defense and for developing several NFL-caliber players, including Chris Long and D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Later Coaching and Legacy
After leaving Virginia, Groh returned to the professional ranks as the defensive coordinator for Georgia Tech from 2010 to
2012. He continued to be recognized for his expertise in the 3–4 defensive scheme and his ability to mentor young players and coaches. Coaching Tree and Influence
Al Groh is often remembered as a key branch of Bill Parcells’ coaching tree, alongside names like Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin. He was known for his analytical approach to football, attention to detail, and adaptability, especially on defense. Personal Life and Legacy
Groh’s son, Mike Groh, has also had a notable career as a coach, serving in various roles in both college and the NFL. Al Groh’s influence extends through the many players and coaches he mentored. While his time as an NFL head coach was brief, Groh left a lasting mark on both professional and college football through his innovative schemes, leadership, and passion for the game.

• Born: July 13, 1944, New York, NY
• Alma Mater: University of Virginia
• NFL Head Coaching Record: 9–7 (New York Jets, 2000)
• Super Bowl Champion: XXI (Assistant with New York Giants)
• ACC Coach of the Year: 2002, 2007
• Notable Former Players: Chris Long, D’Brickashaw Ferguson
• Known For: Defensive expertise, 3–4 schemes, player development

Summary
Al Groh’s career is a testament to the value of adaptability, football intelligence, and mentorship. Whether as a head coach, coordinator, or assistant, Groh’s impact on the game is evident in the players and coaches he helped develop and in the legacy of tough, disciplined football that he leaves behind.