Eric Studesville - NFL Head Coach Bio

Eric Studesville is a veteran NFL coach known for his extensive experience coaching running backs and his steady influence on multiple franchises. Born on May 29, 1967, in Madison, Wisconsin, Studesville has built a lengthy career in football despite not having a professional playing background.

College and Early Coaching Career

• Studesville attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he played as a defensive back for the Warhawks football team.
• He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona in 1991.
• He held various college coaching positions, including stints at North Carolina, Wingate University, and Kent State, focusing on defensive backs and running backs.

NFL Coaching Career

• Chicago Bears (1997–2000): Studesville made his NFL debut as a running backs coach with the Bears.
• New York Giants (2001–2003): Continued as running backs coach, developing a reputation for maximizing talent in the backfield.
• Buffalo Bills (2004–2009): Oversaw the development of notable running backs, including Marshawn Lynch, as the team’s running backs coach.
• Denver Broncos (2010–2017): Served as running backs coach and was named interim head coach for the final four games of the 2010 season after the firing of Josh McDaniels—becoming the first Black head coach in Broncos history. He remained with the team during their Super Bowl 50 run as part of the coaching staff.
• Miami Dolphins (2018–present): Hired as running backs coach, then promoted to co-offensive coordinator (with George Godsey) for the 2021 season. Known for his adaptability and player development, he remains a respected figure on the Dolphins' staff.

Highlights & Accomplishments

• First Black head coach in Denver Broncos history (interim, 2010).
• Part of the Denver Broncos staff that won Super Bowl 50.
• Widely regarded for his mentorship and leadership, helping develop Pro Bowl-caliber running backs throughout his career.

Eric Studesville’s longevity and respected presence in NFL coaching circles speak to his expertise, work ethic, and ability to connect with players. Although he is not widely known as a head coach, his impact as a position coach and coordinator has been substantial across several franchises.

Legacy & Career Overview

Eric Studesville: NFL Head Coach Biography

Eric Studesville is a longtime NFL assistant coach and respected offensive mind, renowned for his expertise in running back development and his steady presence across multiple organizations. Though he has never served as a full-time head coach, he is best known for his brief stint as the interim head coach for the Denver Broncos in 2010, becoming the first Black head coach in franchise history. Over his decades-long career, Studesville has built a reputation as a player’s coach and a difference-maker in the run game, shaping the careers of numerous Pro Bowl running backs.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on May 29, 1967, in Madison, Wisconsin, Eric Studesville is the son of Alveta and the late Alferd Studesville II. His father was a long-time high school football coach, which influenced Eric’s early interest in the sport. Studesville attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he played collegiate football as a wide receiver and earned his degree in
1989. While he did not play professionally, his passion for the game propelled him immediately into coaching, beginning at the collegiate level.

Coaching Career

• Early Coaching Positions:
  Studesville began his coaching career in the college ranks, serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona from 1991 to
  1993. He then moved on to coaching roles at the University of North Carolina and Kent State University, focusing primarily on running backs and special teams.
• Entry into the NFL:
  Studesville’s NFL journey began in 1997 when he was hired as an offensive quality control coach by the Chicago Bears. He was promoted to running backs coach the following year, a position he would hold for four seasons (1997–2000). He then moved on to the New York Giants (2001–2003) as their running backs coach, where he helped Tiki Barber develop into one of the league’s premier rushers.
• Buffalo Bills (2004–2009):
  In 2004, Studesville joined the Buffalo Bills as their running backs coach. During his tenure, he worked with standout backs such as Travis Henry, Willis McGahee, Fred Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch, helping Lynch earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in
  2007.
• Denver Broncos (2010–2017):
  Studesville was hired by the Denver Broncos as their running backs coach in
  2010. Following the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels midseason, Studesville was named interim head coach, making history as the Broncos’ first African American head coach. He led the team through the final four games of the season, finishing with a 1-3 record. Studesville remained with the Broncos as running backs coach under John Fox and later Gary Kubiak, playing a critical role in the development of Pro Bowler C.J. Anderson and the team’s Super Bowl 50 championship season in
  2015.
• Miami Dolphins (2018–Present):
  After leaving Denver, Studesville joined the Miami Dolphins as running backs coach in
  2018. His role has expanded over time: in 2021, he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator alongside George Godsey, while also retaining his duties as running backs coach. Studesville has been instrumental in improving Miami’s rushing attack and mentoring talents like Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed.

Coaching Highlights and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl 50 Champion with the Denver Broncos (2015, as Running Backs Coach)
• Interim Head Coach for Denver Broncos (2010)
• Co-Offensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins (2021)
• Helped develop multiple 1,000-yard rushers, including Tiki Barber, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, and C.J. Anderson
• Known for player development and strong locker room leadership
• Respected for his adaptability, having served under numerous head coaches and offensive systems

Legacy and Personal Life

Eric Studesville is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most experienced and respected running backs coaches, with a unique ability to connect with players and maximize their potential. His brief tenure as an interim head coach was historic for the Denver Broncos and showcased his capacity to lead at the highest level. Off the field, Studesville is known for his humility, work ethic, and commitment to mentorship. He has also been involved in community outreach programs throughout his career, supporting youth football and educational initiatives.

Studesville’s long career demonstrates a deep commitment to the game and to the athletes he coaches. While he has yet to secure a full-time NFL head coaching position, his influence on the sport and his legacy as a trailblazer and developer of talent remain significant.