Jim Fassel: NFL Head Coach Bio

Jim Fassel (August 31, 1949 – June 7, 2021) was an accomplished American football coach best known for his tenure as head coach of the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). Fassel’s career spanned several decades, encompassing both college and professional football as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.

Playing Career

• Fassel played quarterback in college, starting at Fullerton College before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC), and later Long Beach State.
• He was selected in the 7th round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, though he never played in a regular season NFL game.
• Fassel also spent time in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Toronto Argonauts.

Coaching Career

• Began his coaching career at the college level, holding assistant coaching positions at Utah, Weber State, and Stanford.
• Head coach at the University of Utah (1985–1989), compiling a 25–33 record.
• Entered the NFL as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator with several teams, including:
  • New York Giants (Offensive Coordinator, 1991–1992)
  • Denver Broncos (Quarterbacks Coach, 1993–1994; Offensive Coordinator, 1995)
  • Arizona Cardinals (Offensive Coordinator, 1996)
• Head Coach of the New York Giants (1997–2003):
  • Led the Giants to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXV appearance in the 2000 season.
  • Named NFL Coach of the Year in 1997.
  • Compiled a regular season record of 58–53–1 with the Giants.
  • Posted a 2–3 record in the playoffs.
• Later served as an offensive coordinator and position coach with teams including the Baltimore Ravens (Offensive Coordinator, 2004–2006).
• Head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives in the United Football League (UFL), winning two championships (2009, 2010).

Legacy and Accomplishments

• Regarded for his offensive acumen and leadership skills.
• Cemented his legacy with a memorable playoff run and Super Bowl appearance with the Giants.
• Remembered for his bold “we’re going to the playoffs” guarantee during the 2000 season, which galvanized his team.
• Mentored and developed several notable quarterbacks, including John Elway and Kerry Collins.

Jim Fassel left a lasting impact on the NFL through his innovative coaching and leadership, particularly for his role in reviving the New York Giants and steering them to Super Bowl XXXV. He is fondly remembered by players, colleagues, and fans alike.

Legacy & Career Overview

Jim Fassel: NFL Head Coach Biography

Early Life and Background
Jim Fassel was born on August 31, 1949, in Anaheim, California. Raised in the heart of football country, Fassel developed a love for the game early on. After graduating from Anaheim High School, he continued his athletic and academic career at Fullerton College before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC). Fassel later transferred to Long Beach State, where he completed his collegiate football career as a quarterback. Playing Career
Though Fassel was not a household name as a player, his understanding of the quarterback position would later become a hallmark of his coaching acumen. In 1972, he was selected in the 7th round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, but did not appear in a regular-season NFL game. Fassel briefly played in the World Football League (WFL) as a quarterback for the Hawaiians in 1974, gaining valuable experience that would inform his future coaching roles.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Journey
After hanging up his cleats, Fassel quickly transitioned into coaching. He started at the collegiate level, holding positions at several schools, including serving as offensive coordinator at Utah and Stanford. His sharp offensive mind and ability to develop quarterbacks caught the attention of NFL scouts and executives. Entering the NFL: Assistant Roles
Fassel made his NFL coaching debut as the quarterbacks coach for the New York Giants in
1991. He then served as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (1993–1994), where he worked with then-rookie John Elway and helped mold him into a future Hall of Famer. Fassel also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders, further establishing his reputation for building high-powered offenses and nurturing quarterback talent.

Head Coaching Tenure: New York Giants

Appointment and Early Success
In 1997, Jim Fassel was named head coach of the New York Giants. Taking over a team seeking direction, Fassel immediately made an impact. In his first season, he led the Giants to a 10-5-1 record and an NFC East division title, earning him the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award. The 2000 Super Bowl Run
Fassel's tenure is best remembered for the 2000 season. Midway through the year, with the Giants struggling, Fassel made a bold public guarantee that the team would make the playoffs. The Giants responded by winning their final five regular season games, capturing the NFC East title, and advancing through the playoffs with decisive victories over the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings (a 41-0 shutout in the NFC Championship Game). This remarkable run culminated in an appearance in Super Bowl XXXV, though the Giants were ultimately defeated by the Baltimore Ravens. Later Years and Departure
Fassel remained the Giants’ head coach through the 2003 season. He led the team to three playoff appearances in seven years (1997, 2000, 2002), compiling a regular season record of 58-53-1 and a 2-3 playoff record. Fassel’s ability to keep the Giants competitive, despite roster challenges and injuries, earned him respect throughout the league. He was dismissed after the 2003 season following a disappointing 4-12 campaign.

Post-Giants Coaching and Legacy

After leaving the Giants, Fassel served as an offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens in 2004–
2006. He later coached in the United Football League (UFL), leading the Las Vegas Locomotives to two UFL championships (2009, 2010), further cementing his reputation as a capable head coach and motivator.

Relevant Facts, Stats, and Accomplishments

• Overall NFL Head Coaching Record: 58 wins, 53 losses, 1 tie (regular season); 2-3 in the playoffs
• Super Bowl Appearance: Super Bowl XXXV (2000 season)
• Coach of the Year: AP NFL Coach of the Year (1997)
• Known For: Quarterback development, bold leadership, offensive innovation, and his famous 2000 playoff guarantee
• UFL Championships: 2 (Las Vegas Locomotives, 2009, 2010)
• Mentored Notable Players: John Elway (Denver), Kerry Collins (Giants), among others

Personal Life and Legacy

Jim Fassel was widely respected for his integrity, motivational skills, and offensive creativity. He was also known for his close-knit family, including his son John Fassel, who is a longtime NFL special teams coordinator. Off the field, Fassel was involved in numerous charitable endeavors and was regarded as a mentor by many young coaches and players. Fassel passed away on June 7, 2021, at the age of
71. His contributions to the game—particularly his leadership of the Giants and his role in quarterback development—have left a lasting legacy in professional football. Fans and peers alike remember him as a coach who led with heart, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his teams.