Dick Vermeil: NFL Head Coach Biography

Dick Vermeil is a renowned American football coach, best known for his emotional leadership style and remarkable ability to revitalize struggling teams. Born on October 30, 1936, in Calistoga, California, Vermeil's football journey spans high school, college, and the professional ranks, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Early Life and Playing Career

Vermeil played quarterback at Napa Junior College before transferring to San Jose State University, where he played for the Spartans and graduated in
1959. Although he never played in the NFL, his passion for the game led him directly into coaching after college.

Coaching Career Highlights

• College Coaching: Vermeil began his coaching career in high school before moving to college football, where he served as an assistant at Stanford and UCLA. He became the head coach of UCLA in 1974, leading the Bruins to a Rose Bowl victory over Ohio State in January 1976.
• Philadelphia Eagles (1976–1982): Vermeil took over as head coach of the Eagles when the franchise was struggling. Under his leadership, the Eagles made steady progress and reached Super Bowl XV in the 1980 season, although they lost to the Oakland Raiders. Vermeil was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1980.
• Hiatus: Burnout led Vermeil to step away from coaching after the 1982 season. He worked as a broadcaster for CBS and ABC for nearly 15 years.
• St. Louis Rams (1997–1999): Vermeil returned to coaching with the Rams. In his third season (1999), he led the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XXXIV), defeating the Tennessee Titans. The team was known as "The Greatest Show on Turf." Vermeil was again named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1999.
• Kansas City Chiefs (2001–2005): Vermeil finished his NFL coaching career with the Chiefs. While he did not reach a Super Bowl with Kansas City, he turned them into a high-scoring, playoff-contending team and was highly regarded by players and fans for his leadership.

Career Accomplishments & Legacy

• Overall NFL head coaching record: 126–114 (including playoffs)
• Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV, 1999 season)
• 2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (1980, 1999)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2022)
• Known for his emotional, player-focused coaching style and for turning around struggling franchises

Dick Vermeil is celebrated not only for his success on the field but also for his genuine care for his players and staff, leaving a legacy of inspiration and excellence in both college and professional football.

Legacy & Career Overview

Dick Vermeil: A Comprehensive Biography

Dick Vermeil is a renowned figure in the history of the National Football League (NFL), celebrated for his emotional leadership, innovative coaching, and remarkable ability to revive struggling franchises. Born on October 30, 1936, in Calistoga, California, Vermeil’s journey through football has been characterized by perseverance, passion, and a knack for transforming teams into contenders. His career spans over four decades and includes stints at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, making him one of the most respected coaches in American football history.

Early Life and Playing Career

Vermeil was raised in a working-class family in Northern California. He attended Calistoga High School, where he first displayed his love for football. Vermeil continued his playing career at Napa Junior College and then at San Jose State University, playing as a backup quarterback. Although Vermeil never played professionally, his playing days were critical in shaping his understanding of the game and his coaching philosophy.

Coaching Beginnings: High School and College Football

Dick Vermeil began his coaching career as an assistant at Del Mar High School in San Jose. He quickly progressed to positions at the collegiate level, serving as an assistant at Stanford under John Ralston and later at UCLA. At UCLA, Vermeil made his mark by leading the Bruins to a Rose Bowl victory in 1976 over the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a win that propelled him into the national spotlight and ultimately into the NFL.

First NFL Tenure: Philadelphia Eagles (1976–1982)

Vermeil took over as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976, inheriting a team that had not reached the playoffs since
1960. Through his intense work ethic and emotional investment in his players, Vermeil gradually rebuilt the franchise. Under his leadership, the Eagles improved steadily, culminating in four consecutive playoff appearances from 1978 to
1981. The pinnacle of his first NFL tenure came in the 1980 season, when he guided the Eagles to Super Bowl XV. Although they lost to the Oakland Raiders, Vermeil’s achievement in turning around the Eagles’ fortunes was widely recognized.

• Record with Eagles: 54–47 (regular season)
• Playoff Appearances: 4 (1978–1981)
• Super Bowl Appearances: 1 (Super Bowl XV)

However, the demands of the job took a toll. Known for his long hours and intense approach, Vermeil suffered from burnout and resigned after the 1982 season. He spent the next 15 years away from NFL sidelines, working as a broadcaster and analyst for CBS and ABC.

The Comeback: St. Louis Rams (1997–1999)

After a lengthy hiatus, Vermeil returned to coaching in 1997 with the St. Louis Rams. His first two seasons were challenging, but in 1999 everything changed. The Rams, led by the unlikely quarterback Kurt Warner—who was thrust into the starting role after an injury to Trent Green—stunned the league with an explosive offense dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The team finished 13–3, and Vermeil’s Rams dominated the playoffs, culminating in a thrilling victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. The win cemented Vermeil’s legacy as one of the few coaches to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl, and one of the very few to win it.

• Record with Rams: 22–26 (regular season)
• Super Bowl Champion: XXXIV (1999 season)
• Associated with: “The Greatest Show on Turf” offense

Following the Super Bowl triumph, Vermeil once again stepped away from coaching, retiring after the 1999 season, only to return soon after.

Kansas City Chiefs (2001–2005)

Vermeil’s final coaching stop came with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he took over in
2001. His tenure with the Chiefs was marked by potent offenses and memorable moments, though playoff success eluded the team. Under Vermeil’s guidance, the Chiefs finished with a 13–3 record in 2003 but were eliminated in the divisional round. Still, he was credited for revitalizing the careers of players such as Priest Holmes and Trent Green, and for fostering a positive, family-oriented team culture.

• Record with Chiefs: 44–36 (regular season)
• Playoff Appearances: 1 (2003)

Vermeil retired from coaching for good after the 2005 season, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and competitiveness.

Legacy, Honors, and Accomplishments

• Career NFL Head Coaching Record: 120–109 (regular season)
• Super Bowl Champion: (XXXIV)
• 2× AP NFL Coach of the Year: (1979, 1999)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2022
• One of only seven coaches to lead two different franchises to the Super Bowl
• Known for: Emotional leadership, player-first approach, transformative impact on teams

Personal Life and Character

Dick Vermeil is not just remembered for his football acumen, but also for his deep emotional investment in his players and staff. He is famous for wearing his heart on his sleeve, often moved to tears in moments of triumph and defeat. Off the field, Vermeil has been involved in charitable work and the winemaking business, owning Vermeil Wines in California’s Napa Valley. He is beloved by former players and coaches for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to excellence and humanity.

Conclusion

Dick Vermeil’s career remains one of the most inspiring stories in NFL history. He is celebrated as a coach who could resurrect struggling teams, inspire loyalty, and achieve greatness without sacrificing his principles. From the high school fields of California to the grand stage of the Super Bowl, Vermeil’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of belief.