Dave Wannstedt: NFL Head Coach Biography

Dave Wannstedt is a respected figure in American football, known for his extensive career as both a coach and former player at the collegiate and professional levels.

Early Life and Playing Career

• Born: May 21, 1952, in Baldwin, Pennsylvania
• College: University of Pittsburgh
• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL Draft, but a neck injury ended his playing career before he played in the NFL.

Coaching Career

College Coaching

• Began as a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh (1975)
• Coached at Oklahoma State, USC, Miami (FL), and his alma mater, Pittsburgh

NFL Coaching

• Dallas Cowboys (1989–1992): Defensive coordinator under Jimmy Johnson; helped build the defense that won Super Bowl XXVII.
• Chicago Bears (Head Coach, 1993–1998): Compiled a 40–56 record. Led the Bears to the playoffs in 1994.
• Miami Dolphins (Defensive Coordinator/Head Coach, 1999–2004):
  • Defensive coordinator in 1999, then head coach from 2000–2004
  • Record as Dolphins head coach: 42–31
  • Led team to two playoff appearances (2000, 2001)
• Buffalo Bills (Assistant Head Coach, 2010–2012): Worked under Chan Gailey.

Return to College

• Pittsburgh Panthers (Head Coach, 2005–2010): Returned to coach his alma mater, compiling a 42–31 record and leading the Panthers to multiple bowl games.

Coaching Highlights & Legacy

• Renowned for his defensive expertise, especially as Cowboys DC in the early 1990s
• Mentored by Jimmy Johnson, followed him from Miami (FL) to the Dallas Cowboys, then to the Miami Dolphins
• Known for a tough, physical defensive coaching style
• After coaching, transitioned to a career as a football analyst for Fox Sports and other media outlets

Accomplishments

• Super Bowl XXVII Champion (as Dallas Cowboys DC)
• Multiple NFL playoff appearances as head coach
• Key figure in the development of several NFL star defenders

Legacy & Career Overview

Dave Wannstedt: A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
David Raymond Wannstedt was born on May 21, 1952, in Baldwin, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Growing up in the heartland of football culture, Wannstedt was immersed in the sport from a young age. He attended Baldwin High School, where he excelled as a standout athlete, particularly in football, catching the eye of college scouts across the state. Collegiate Playing Career
Wannstedt continued his football journey at the University of Pittsburgh, playing as an offensive tackle for the Panthers from 1970 to
1973. Renowned for his size, work ethic, and leadership, he became a team captain and formed lifelong relationships with future coaching legends, including Tony Dungy. Unfortunately, a neck injury cut short his aspirations of playing in the NFL, but it set him on a path toward coaching.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Years
Wannstedt began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1975 before moving on to Oklahoma State University, where he served as a defensive line coach from 1979 to 1982 under Jimmy Johnson. He then followed Johnson to the University of Miami (FL), where he was the defensive coordinator from 1986 to
1988. During this period, the Hurricanes became a national powerhouse, winning the 1987 National Championship with a ferocious defense. Transition to the NFL
After his collegiate success, Wannstedt made the jump to the NFL, joining Jimmy Johnson again with the Dallas Cowboys. He served as the defensive coordinator from 1989 to 1992, overseeing the development of a young, dynamic defense that would help lay the groundwork for Dallas' Super Bowl dominance in the 1990s. Under his guidance, the Cowboys built a formidable unit that ranked among the league’s best by the end of his tenure.

Head Coaching Career

• Chicago Bears (1993–1998)
  Wannstedt’s first NFL head coaching opportunity came with the Chicago Bears in
  1993. He was tasked with rejuvenating a franchise that had fallen on hard times since its Super Bowl glory in the 1980s. Although his tenure was marked by high expectations, consistent success proved elusive. His best season came in 1994, when the Bears finished 9-7 and won a wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings—the franchise’s only playoff win between their Super Bowl appearances in 1985 and
  2006. Unfortunately, the Bears failed to capitalize on that momentum, and after a 41–57 record over six seasons, Wannstedt was relieved of his duties in
  1998.


• Miami Dolphins (2000–2004)
  Wannstedt returned to head coaching in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, first as defensive coordinator in 1999 and then as head coach from 2000 to
  2004. He inherited a talented roster and led the Dolphins to a 42–31 record over five seasons. Under his leadership, Miami made the playoffs twice (2000, 2001), including an 11–5 campaign in
  2000. The Dolphins were renowned for their tough defense, led by stars like Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. However, offensive struggles and an inability to find a long-term quarterback ultimately limited their postseason success. Wannstedt resigned midway through the 2004 season following a disappointing start.


• Return to College Coaching: University of Pittsburgh (2005–2010)
  After his time in the NFL, Wannstedt returned to his alma mater as head coach of the Pittsburgh Panthers. He guided the program through a period of transition, recruiting high-level talent and leading the team to multiple bowl appearances. His 2009 squad finished 10–3, the program’s best record in decades, and he was praised for his recruiting prowess and deep ties to Western Pennsylvania football.

Other Coaching Positions and Broadcasting

After leaving Pitt, Wannstedt served as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2011–2012) and spent time as a defensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In recent years, he has become a respected television analyst, lending his insights to Fox Sports and other outlets, where his vast experience in both college and pro football has made him a popular figure.

Relevant Facts, Stats, and Accomplishments

• Overall NFL head coaching record: 82–87
• Led Chicago Bears to a playoff win in 1994
• Guided Miami Dolphins to two postseason berths (2000, 2001)
• Defensive coordinator for 1987 Miami Hurricanes National Championship team
• Defensive coordinator for Dallas Cowboys’ rise to Super Bowl contention
• Pittsburgh Panthers head coach with a 42–31 record, including a 10-win season in 2009
• Renowned recruiter and mentor to dozens of NFL players

Legacy

Dave Wannstedt’s long and varied football career has made him a well-known figure in both the college and professional ranks. While he never captured a Super Bowl as a head coach, his impact as a defensive architect, motivator, and teacher is respected across the football world. His Pittsburgh roots, loyalty to his players, and contributions to the sport are remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. Today, his voice remains a constant in football media, offering perspective shaped by decades on the gridiron.