Jim Mora – NFL Head Coach Biography

Jim E. Mora (born May 24, 1935) is a retired American football coach best known for his head coaching tenures with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL), as well as a successful stint in the United States Football League (USFL). Though never an NFL player, Mora built a distinguished career as a defensive-minded coach and remains a respected figure in football circles.

Early Life and College Coaching Career

Jim Mora was born in Glendale, California, and played college football as an end at Occidental College, where he was a two-time All-Conference selection. After graduation, he began coaching at his alma mater and then moved through the college ranks, including assistant coaching positions at Stanford and UCLA.

Professional Coaching Career

• USFL Success: Mora’s big break came in the USFL, where he coached the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars from 1983-
  1985. He led the Stars to three consecutive championship games, winning two (1984, 1985) and compiling a remarkable 48–13–1 record.
• New Orleans Saints (1986–1996): In 1986, Mora became head coach of the long-struggling New Orleans Saints. He transformed the franchise, guiding them to their first-ever winning season (1987) and four playoff appearances. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in
  1987. Mora remains the winningest coach in Saints history (93–74 overall record) as of his departure.
• Indianapolis Colts (1998–2001): Mora took over the Colts and, with rookie quarterback Peyton Manning, led them to the playoffs in 1999 and
  2000. His tenure is often remembered for his passionate “Playoffs?!” press conference, which became a viral sports moment. He finished with a 32–32 record in Indianapolis.

Coaching Highlights & Legacy

• Overall NFL head coaching record: 125–106
• USFL head coaching record: 48–13–1 (2x USFL Champion)
• 4x NFL playoff appearances with the Saints (but no playoff wins)
• NFL Coach of the Year (1987)
• Famous for fiery personality and “Playoffs?!” rant
• Father of Jim L. Mora, also a notable college and NFL coach

Jim Mora’s impact on football is marked by his ability to turn struggling teams into contenders, his defensive acumen, and his place in sports culture. While he never won an NFL playoff game, his leadership and integrity left a lasting impression on the organizations he led.

Legacy & Career Overview

Jim Mora – NFL Head Coach: A Comprehensive Biography

James Ernest Mora (born May 24, 1935) is a prominent figure in the history of American football, best known for his extensive and impactful career as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). Mora’s coaching tenure is marked by his disciplined approach, defensive prowess, and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on every team he’s led.

Early Life and Playing Career

Jim Mora was born in Glendale, California. He attended Occidental College, a small liberal arts institution in Los Angeles, where he played college football as a tight end from 1953 to
1956. While his playing career was not particularly distinguished at the professional level—he did not play in the NFL—Mora’s love for the game and understanding of its intricacies set the stage for his future coaching career.

Early Coaching Career

Mora began his coaching journey in the collegiate ranks, serving in a variety of assistant coaching roles. His stops included Stanford University, the University of Colorado, and UCLA, where he developed a reputation as a skilled defensive coach. His keen eye for defensive schemes and player development soon caught the attention of professional teams.

USFL Success with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars

Before making his mark in the NFL, Mora was head coach of the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars in the USFL from 1983 to
1985. Under his guidance, the Stars became the league's most dominant franchise:

• Two USFL Championships: 1984 and 1985
• USFL Coach of the Year: 1984
• Regular Season Record: 48–13–1 (USFL’s best all-time coaching record)

After the USFL folded, Mora’s success earned him an opportunity in the NFL.

NFL Coaching Career

New Orleans Saints (1986–1996)
Jim Mora became the head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 1986, inheriting a franchise with no prior winning seasons or playoff appearances. Over a decade, he transformed the Saints from perennial underachievers into a competitive team.

• First Winning Season in Franchise History: 1987 (12–3 record, NFC West title)
• Four Playoff Appearances: 1987, 1990, 1991, 1992
• NFL Coach of the Year: 1987 (Associated Press)
• Overall Record with Saints: 93–74

Mora’s Saints teams were known for their aggressive defense, highlighted by the “Dome Patrol” linebacker corps, considered one of the best in NFL history. Despite regular season success, playoff victories eluded Mora in New Orleans (0–4 postseason record). Indianapolis Colts (1998–2001)
After a brief hiatus, Mora returned to the NFL as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Taking over a team with a 3–13 record, Mora oversaw the early NFL development of quarterback Peyton Manning, drafted first overall in
1998.

• Playoff Appearance: 1999 (13–3 record, AFC East title)
• Coached Peyton Manning’s First Three NFL Seasons
• Overall Record with Colts: 32–32

Mora is perhaps best remembered for his famously animated “Playoffs?!” press conference rant in 2001, which became an enduring meme in sports culture.

Coaching Style and Legacy

Jim Mora was renowned for his discipline, organizational skills, and defensive acumen. His teams were well-prepared and tough, often exceeding expectations given their talent levels. While his teams struggled in the postseason (0–6 NFL playoff record), Mora’s ability to turn around struggling franchises and develop young talent is widely respected.

Relevant Facts and Accolades

• USFL All-Time Winningest Coach
• AP NFL Coach of the Year (1987)
• First Coach to Lead Saints to Playoffs
• Father of Jim L. Mora, who also served as an NFL and NCAA head coach
• Total NFL Head Coaching Record: 125 wins, 106 losses

Personal Life and Legacy

Jim Mora’s legacy is defined by professionalism, resilience, and the ability to build competitive teams from the ground up. He remains a revered figure in New Orleans for ending the franchise's long history of futility and is respected for his role in mentoring future Hall of Famers, such as Peyton Manning. His influence is also seen through his son, Jim L. Mora, who followed in his father’s coaching footsteps. Though never a Super Bowl champion as an NFL head coach, Mora’s place in football history is secure as one of the game’s most effective builders and motivators. His leadership and memorable moments, both on and off the field, ensure that Jim Mora remains an enduring figure in the chronicles of professional football.