Ken Whisenhunt: NFL Head Coach Biography

Ken Whisenhunt is a veteran NFL coach and former player, best known for his head coaching stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. Renowned for his offensive acumen, Whisenhunt has contributed to multiple NFL franchises in various coaching capacities, including as an offensive coordinator.

Playing Career

• College: Georgia Tech (Tight End, 1980–1984)
• NFL Playing Career:
  • Atlanta Falcons (1985–1988, Tight End)
  • Washington Redskins (1989)
  • New York Jets (1991–1992)

Coaching Career

• Early Coaching: Started as a special teams/tight ends coach at Vanderbilt and at his alma mater, Georgia Tech.
• NFL Coaching Positions:
  • Baltimore Ravens (Tight Ends Coach, 1997–1998)
  • Cleveland Browns (Special Teams/Tight Ends Coach, 1999)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Tight Ends Coach 2001–2003; Offensive Coordinator 2004–2006)
  • Super Bowl Champion (XL): Helped lead the Steelers to a title as offensive coordinator in 2005.
  • Arizona Cardinals (Head Coach, 2007–2012)
  • NFC Championship & Super Bowl XLIII Appearance: Coached the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history (2008 season).
  • San Diego Chargers (Offensive Coordinator, 2013, 2016–2019)
  • Tennessee Titans (Head Coach, 2014–2015)
  • Other roles with the Denver Broncos and Alabama Crimson Tide (special assistant, 2021)

Accomplishments & Highlights

• Super Bowl Champion (XL) as Offensive Coordinator with Pittsburgh Steelers
• NFC Champion (2008) as Arizona Cardinals Head Coach
• Led Cardinals to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance
• Known for developing quarterbacks and innovative offensive schemes
• Head coaching record: 48–71 (regular season)

Legacy

Ken Whisenhunt is widely respected for his strategic mind and ability to turn around struggling offenses. Though his head coaching record is modest, he is credited with some of the most successful seasons in Arizona Cardinals franchise history. His impact as a coordinator and assistant continues to be valued throughout the league.

Legacy & Career Overview

Ken Whisenhunt: A Comprehensive Biography

Ken Whisenhunt is a respected figure in the world of American football, known for both his playing days as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) and his extensive coaching career, including a Super Bowl appearance as a head coach. With over three decades in the NFL as a player and coach, Whisenhunt's journey is marked by adaptability, offensive innovation, and significant team turnarounds.

Early Life and Playing Career

Kenneth Moore Whisenhunt was born on February 28, 1962, in Augusta, Georgia. He attended the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta, excelling as a multi-sport athlete. Whisenhunt continued his education and football career at Georgia Tech, where he was a standout tight end from 1980 to
1984. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering, demonstrating his academic commitment alongside athletic excellence.

Whisenhunt entered the NFL as a twelfth-round pick (313th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1985 NFL Draft. He played for the Falcons from 1985 to 1988, then had brief stints with the Washington Redskins (1989-1990) and the New York Jets (1991-1992). Over his nine-year NFL playing career, Whisenhunt appeared in 74 games, recording 62 receptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns. Primarily utilized as a blocking tight end, he earned a reputation for his work ethic and intelligence on the field.

Early Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Whisenhunt began his coaching career in college football, returning to his alma mater, Georgia Tech, as a special teams and tight ends coach from 1995 to
1996. His NFL coaching journey began soon after, starting as a tight ends coach for the Baltimore Ravens (1997-1998). He then served as the tight ends coach for the Cleveland Browns in 1999 and for the New York Jets in 2000, before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in
2001.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive Innovator

Whisenhunt's tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers was transformative for his coaching career. Initially hired as the tight ends coach, he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2004 under head coach Bill Cowher. Whisenhunt became known for his creative play-calling and balanced offenses. He played a crucial role in developing rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and devised several memorable trick plays, including the famous reverse pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL.

Whisenhunt's offensive schemes were instrumental in the Steelers' success, culminating in a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL (2005 season). His ability to adapt the offense to the team's strengths and keep defenses off balance made him a highly sought-after coaching candidate.

Arizona Cardinals: Head Coaching Success

In 2007, Ken Whisenhunt was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, a franchise long plagued by mediocrity. In his first season, the team finished 8-8, showing significant improvement. The following year, Whisenhunt led the Cardinals to a 9-7 regular season record and their first NFC West division title since
1975.

The 2008 season became the hallmark of Whisenhunt's coaching career. The Cardinals made an improbable playoff run, defeating the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles to reach Super Bowl XLIII. It was the first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Under Whisenhunt's leadership and the arm of veteran quarterback Kurt Warner, the Cardinals came within moments of victory, narrowly losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-23, in one of the most thrilling Super Bowls ever played.

Whisenhunt's teams continued to be competitive, making the playoffs again in 2009 and winning a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers in a historic 51-45 overtime shootout. However, after Warner's retirement, the Cardinals struggled to find consistency at quarterback, and their performance declined. Whisenhunt was dismissed after the 2012 season with a franchise head-coaching record of 45-51 (including postseason).

Later Coaching Career: Chargers, Titans, and Beyond

Whisenhunt continued his NFL journey as the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers in 2013, where his innovative play-calling helped revitalize quarterback Philip Rivers' career and led the team to a playoff berth. His success with the Chargers earned him another head coaching opportunity with the Tennessee Titans in
2014.

Whisenhunt's tenure with the Titans (2014–2015) was challenging, as the team struggled to find its footing, finishing 2-14 in 2014 and starting 1-6 in 2015, leading to his dismissal.

He returned to the Chargers (by then the Los Angeles Chargers) as offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2019, helping to develop a productive offense and continuing his reputation as a respected offensive mind.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Ken Whisenhunt is widely regarded as a creative and adaptable offensive coach, known for his ability to maximize the talents of his quarterbacks and tight ends. He is credited with helping rejuvenate the careers of players like Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger (as a rookie), and Philip Rivers. His knack for designing trick plays and his strategic approach to offensive football made him a valuable asset wherever he coached.

Personal Life and Accolades

• Super Bowl Champion (XL): Offensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers (2005 season)
• First Super Bowl Appearance in Cardinals History: Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII, 2008 season)
• Georgia Tech Hall of Fame: Inducted for his contributions as a player (1998)
• Family: Married to Alice Whisenhunt, with one son, Kenneth

Ken Whisenhunt's legacy in the NFL is marked by his innovation, leadership, and the ability to turn struggling franchises into contenders. Remembered most for leading the Arizona Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance and for his pivotal role in the Steelers' Super Bowl XL victory, Whisenhunt remains a respected figure in football coaching circles. As of recent years, he has continued to serve in various consulting and coaching roles, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the game.