Joe Vitt: NFL Head Coach Bio

Joe Vitt is a respected veteran of the NFL coaching ranks, known for his extensive experience as both an assistant and interim head coach across several teams. Born on August 23, 1954, in Syracuse, New York, Vitt’s football journey spans over four decades, earning him a reputation as a dedicated and knowledgeable football mind.

Playing Career

• Vitt played college football as a linebacker at Towson State University (now Towson University) in Maryland. He did not play professional football but quickly transitioned into coaching after his collegiate career.

Coaching Career

• Early Coaching Years: Joe Vitt began his coaching career as an assistant at Towson before making his way into the NFL in 1979 as a quality control coach with the Baltimore Colts.
• NFL Assistant Roles: Over the years, Vitt has served in various assistant coaching capacities, including linebackers coach, special teams coach, and assistant head coach. His NFL stops include:
  
  • Baltimore Colts (1979–1981)
  • Seattle Seahawks (1982–1991)
  • Los Angeles Rams / St. Louis Rams (1992–1994, 1997–2004)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (1995–1996)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (2004)
  • New Orleans Saints (2006–2016)
  • New York Jets (2019, as a senior defensive assistant)
  • Detroit Lions (2021–2022, as a senior defensive assistant)
• Interim Head Coach Experience:
  
  • St. Louis Rams (2005): Vitt served as interim head coach for 11 games after Mike Martz took a medical leave. He finished with a 4–7 record during that stint.
  • New Orleans Saints (2012): Vitt was appointed interim head coach while Sean Payton was suspended during the "Bountygate" scandal. He led the Saints for 10 games, posting a 5–5 record.

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

• Known for his leadership and ability to steady teams during turbulent times.
• Helped the New Orleans Saints win Super Bowl XLIV (2009 season) as assistant head coach/linebackers coach under Sean Payton.
• Has coached numerous Pro Bowl players and contributed to the development of several standout linebackers.

Personal and Legacy

• Vitt is highly regarded for his attention to detail, motivational skills, and loyalty to his teams and coaching staffs.
• His son-in-law, Adam Gase, is also an NFL coach and has served as a head coach for the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

Joe Vitt is considered a consummate professional in NFL coaching circles, valued for his adaptability, experience, and ability to lead teams through challenges both on and off the field.

Legacy & Career Overview

Joe Vitt: NFL Head Coach & Longtime Assistant - A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
Joe Vitt was born on August 23, 1954, in Syracuse, New York. Growing up in a football-loving community, Vitt developed an early passion for the game. He attended Towson State University (now Towson University), where he played as a linebacker for the Towson Tigers football team. Although he was not a standout college star, his intelligence, leadership, and football acumen set the stage for a lifelong career in coaching. Playing Career
Joe Vitt’s playing career was relatively brief and did not extend into the professional ranks. He played linebacker at the collegiate level, and while he wasn't drafted into the NFL, his love for the game and understanding of its nuances made coaching a natural next step. Coaching Career: The Early Years
Vitt’s coaching journey began soon after graduation. His first professional coaching position was with the Baltimore Colts in 1979, where he served as an assistant coach. Over the next several decades, Vitt steadily worked his way up the NFL coaching ladder, gaining a reputation as a hard-working, detail-oriented, and passionate coach.

• Baltimore Colts (1979–1981) – Assistant Coach
• Seattle Seahawks (1982–1991) – Assistant Coach (LBs, Special Teams)
• Los Angeles Rams (1992–1994) – Linebackers Coach
• Philadelphia Eagles (1995–1998) – Linebackers Coach
• Green Bay Packers (1999) – Linebackers Coach
• Kansas City Chiefs (2000–2003) – Linebackers Coach, Assistant Head Coach

Rise to Prominence: St. Louis Rams & New Orleans Saints
Joe Vitt’s reputation as a trusted assistant and motivator led him to higher-profile roles. In 2004, he joined the St. Louis Rams as their Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach. In 2005, after Head Coach Mike Martz was sidelined by health issues, Vitt was named the Rams’ interim head coach. He compiled a 4-7 record during his stint, steering the team through a difficult period.

• St. Louis Rams (2004–2005) – Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Coach, Interim Head Coach (2005, 4-7 record)

Following his time in St. Louis, Vitt joined the New Orleans Saints in 2006 under Head Coach Sean Payton. As Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach, he played a key role in developing the Saints’ defense and team culture. Vitt’s tenure with the Saints was the most successful period of his career, highlighted by their victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

• New Orleans Saints (2006–2016) – Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Coach
• Instrumental in Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV win in 2009
• Helped develop standout linebackers and defensive units

Interim Head Coach: New Orleans Saints (2012)
In 2012, amid the Bountygate scandal, Sean Payton was suspended for the season and Vitt was named interim head coach. Vitt himself was also suspended for six games, returning to lead the Saints for the remainder of the season. The Saints finished 7-9 under his guidance, showing resilience despite the tumultuous circumstances.

• 2012: Interim Head Coach, New Orleans Saints (7-9 record)

Later Coaching Years & Legacy
After his long stint in New Orleans, Vitt continued to serve in various assistant coaching roles, including with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets, often reuniting with coaches he had previously worked alongside, such as Adam Gase (his son-in-law).

• Detroit Lions (2014–2015) – Linebackers Coach
• New York Jets (2020) – Senior Defensive Assistant/Outside Linebackers Coach

Coaching Philosophy & Reputation
Joe Vitt is regarded as a “coach’s coach”—someone who commands respect through his dedication, knowledge, and ability to connect with players. He is known for his fiery intensity on the practice field, his attention to detail, and his skill at mentoring young linebackers. Though he never held a permanent head coaching position, his interim roles and long tenure as an assistant made him one of the NFL’s most respected veteran coaches. Personal Life
Joe Vitt’s football legacy extends into his family. His son, Joe Vitt Jr., is also an NFL coach, and his daughter Jennifer is married to Adam Gase, a former NFL head coach. Vitt’s influence and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the league, both on and off the field. Key Highlights & Accomplishments

• Super Bowl XLIV Champion (New Orleans Saints, 2009)
• Interim Head Coach for two NFL teams (Rams 2005, Saints 2012)
• Respected developer of linebacker talent
• Over 40 years of NFL coaching experience

Summary
Joe Vitt’s career is an exemplar of commitment, resilience, and adaptation in the ever-changing world of the NFL. While he may not have been a household name among head coaches, his decades of influence behind the scenes have been crucial to the success of multiple franchises and the development of generations of NFL linebackers. His legacy is that of a consummate football man: passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply respected by peers and players alike.