Marc Trestman: NFL Head Coach Biography

Early Life and Education
Marc Trestman was born on January 15, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he played college football as a quarterback for the Golden Gophers. Trestman later transferred and completed his degree at Minnesota, also earning a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Miami. Playing Career
Trestman had a brief professional playing stint, signing as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings and later with the St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) in
1979. However, he did not appear in a regular-season NFL game and soon transitioned to coaching. Coaching Career

• College Coaching: Trestman began his coaching career at the University of Miami (FL) in the early 1980s, serving as a volunteer assistant and later as quarterbacks coach. He helped develop future NFL quarterbacks including Bernie Kosar and Vinny Testaverde.
• NFL Coaching:
  • Minnesota Vikings (1985–1986): Running backs coach.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987): Quarterbacks coach.
  • Cleveland Browns (1988–1989): Quarterbacks coach, later offensive coordinator.
  • San Francisco 49ers (1995–1996): Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; helped Steve Young lead the NFL in passing.
  • Arizona Cardinals (1998–2000): Offensive coordinator; led the Cardinals to a postseason win in 1998.
  • Oakland Raiders (2001–2003): Offensive coordinator; instrumental in the Raiders' run to Super Bowl XXXVII (2002 season), with a top-ranked offense and Rich Gannon winning NFL MVP.
  • Miami Dolphins (2004): Assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach.
  • Baltimore Ravens (2015–2016): Offensive coordinator.
• NFL Head Coach:
  • Chicago Bears (2013–2014): Trestman was named head coach of the Bears, becoming the 14th head coach in franchise history. He finished with a 13–19 record over two seasons and was known for improving the Bears’ offense but struggled with the defense and overall results.
• CFL Coaching: Trestman is perhaps best known for his success in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
  • Montreal Alouettes (2008–2012): Head coach, leading the team to three consecutive Grey Cup appearances and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
  • Toronto Argonauts (2017–2018): Head coach, won the Grey Cup in 2017.
• XFL Coaching: In 2020, Trestman served as the head coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay Vipers in the XFL.

Accomplishments & Legacy

• Three-time Grey Cup champion as a head coach (2009, 2010 with Montreal; 2017 with Toronto)
• Known for developing quarterbacks and innovative offensive schemes
• Respected for his leadership, intelligence, and ability to adapt between leagues and teams

Personal Life
Marc Trestman is recognized for his cerebral approach to coaching and his commitment to player development both on and off the field. He has also authored a book, Perseverance: Life Lessons on Leadership and Teamwork. Summary
Marc Trestman’s coaching journey has spanned the NCAA, NFL, CFL, and XFL, with his most notable championship successes coming in the Canadian Football League. Renowned for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, Trestman remains a respected figure in professional football coaching circles.

Legacy & Career Overview

Marc Trestman: A Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
Marc Marlyn Trestman was born on January 15, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Raised in a Jewish family, Trestman developed a passion for football at an early age. He attended St. Louis Park High School, where he was a standout athlete, playing both football and baseball. His leadership skills and intelligence on the field made him a natural quarterback, setting the stage for his future in coaching and football strategy. Collegiate Playing Career
Trestman began his collegiate football career at the University of Minnesota, playing quarterback for the Golden Gophers before transferring to Minnesota State University Moorhead. There, he finished his college football career and graduated with a degree in political science. Known more for his cerebral approach than overwhelming physical gifts, Trestman’s experience as a quarterback would later inform his detailed and analytical approach to coaching. Transition to Coaching
After briefly attending law school and passing the bar exam in Florida, Trestman shifted his focus back to football, beginning his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at the University of Miami in the early 1980s. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator, and working with future NFL stars such as Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, and Jim Kelly. NFL Coaching Career
Marc Trestman's NFL coaching journey began in 1985 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked as a running backs coach and then as a quarterbacks coach. Trestman developed a reputation as a quarterback guru and offensive strategist, and he went on to serve as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for several NFL teams, including:

• Cleveland Browns (1988-1989) – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
• San Francisco 49ers (1995-1996) – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
• Arizona Cardinals (1998-2000) – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
• Oakland Raiders (2001-2003) – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
• Miami Dolphins (2004)
• Detroit Lions (1997)

Trestman’s most notable NFL achievement as an assistant came with the Oakland Raiders, where he helped guide the team to Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season. Under his leadership, the Raiders boasted one of the league’s top offenses, and veteran quarterback Rich Gannon won the NFL MVP award that year. Success in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
In 2008, Trestman made the leap to the Canadian Football League, accepting the head coach position for the Montreal Alouettes. He revitalized the franchise, quickly earning a reputation as one of the CFL’s brightest minds. Trestman led the Alouettes to back-to-back Grey Cup championships in 2009 and 2010, and three Grey Cup appearances in five years. His record in Montreal was 59–31, and he was twice named CFL Coach of the Year. Chicago Bears Head Coach
Trestman returned to the NFL in 2013 as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. In his first season, the Bears’ offense made significant improvements, finishing second in the NFL in points scored (27.8 points per game) and setting multiple franchise records, including total yards and passing touchdowns. Quarterback Jay Cutler and backup Josh McCown thrived in Trestman’s system. Despite the offensive success, the team struggled defensively and finished 8–8, missing the playoffs. The following season was less successful, as the Bears finished 5–11, leading to Trestman’s dismissal after the 2014 season. Later Coaching Career
After his stint with the Bears, Trestman returned to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-2016). His tenure was marked by inconsistency, and he was let go during the 2016 season. Trestman later returned to the CFL as the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, leading them to a Grey Cup victory in
2017. In 2019, he served as the head coach and general manager for the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL before the league suspended operations. Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Marc Trestman is widely respected for his innovative offensive schemes, quarterback development, and cerebral approach to the game. He is known for his meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and ability to adapt his strategies to his personnel. Trestman has written a book about leadership and remains active as a mentor and consultant in the football world. Highlights and Accomplishments

• 2× Grey Cup Champion as Head Coach (2009, 2010, Montreal Alouettes)
• 1× Grey Cup Champion as Head Coach (2017, Toronto Argonauts)
• 2009 CFL Coach of the Year
• Super Bowl XXXVII appearance as Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator
• Helped develop numerous elite quarterbacks, including Rich Gannon (NFL MVP)

Personal Life
Marc Trestman is married and has two daughters. He is known for his academic approach to football, his deep faith, and his involvement in various charitable organizations. Trestman’s journey from a college quarterback to a respected coach across both the NFL and CFL serves as an inspiration for aspiring coaches and players alike. Marc Trestman’s legacy is defined by his offensive ingenuity, quarterback expertise, and championship pedigree in the CFL. While his tenure as an NFL head coach was brief, his impact on the game—both in the United States and Canada—is significant. Trestman remains a respected voice in the football community, celebrated for his mentorship, intellect, and passion for the sport.