Mike Martz: NFL Head Coach Biography

Background and Early Life
Mike Martz was born on May 13, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Though he played as a tight end at San Diego Mesa College and later at Fresno State University, Martz never played professionally in the NFL. Instead, he quickly gravitated to coaching, beginning his career as an assistant at his alma mater. Coaching Career

• Early Coaching Jobs: Martz began coaching at the college level in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with stops at San Diego Mesa College, Fresno State, and Arizona State, where he worked as a quarterbacks and receivers coach.
• Entry into the NFL: Martz's NFL coaching career started in 1992 with the Los Angeles Rams as a quarterbacks coach. He moved to the Washington Redskins (1997–98) as quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator.
• St. Louis Rams: Martz is best known for his time with the St. Louis Rams. He returned to the Rams in 1999 as offensive coordinator, architecting the high-powered "Greatest Show on Turf" offense that helped the Rams win Super Bowl XXXIV. Martz was then promoted to head coach from 2000–2005, leading the Rams to another Super Bowl appearance (XXXVI) and a regular season record of 53–32.
• Other NFL Positions: After his Rams tenure, Martz served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (2006–2007), San Francisco 49ers (2008), and Chicago Bears (2010–2011).

Coaching Highlights and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl Champion: Offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl XXXIV champion Rams (1999 season).
• Innovator: Martz is renowned for his aggressive, pass-first offensive philosophy, which revolutionized NFL offenses and turned Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt into stars.
• Head Coaching Record: Martz's career head coaching record stands at 56–36 (including playoffs).
• Post-Coaching Career: After retiring from coaching, Martz worked as an analyst and commentator for various media outlets.

Legacy
Mike Martz is widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in NFL history. His leadership of the "Greatest Show on Turf" Rams left a lasting impact on how offenses are conceived and executed in the league. Martz's teams were known for their explosive scoring, creativity, and willingness to air it out, influencing a new generation of coaches and quarterbacks.

Legacy & Career Overview

Mike Martz: NFL Head Coach Biography

Background and Early Life
Mike Martz, born on May 13, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a renowned football coach best known for his innovative offensive mind and his tenure as head coach of the St. Louis Rams in the early 2000s. Raised in San Diego, California, Martz attended Parkway Central High School before playing college football at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later at Fresno State, where he played as a tight end. While his playing career was modest and never extended to the professional ranks, Martz's understanding of the game and keen intellect set him apart early on, paving the way for a long and influential coaching career.
Football Playing Career
Martz's playing career was limited to the college level. He started at UC Santa Barbara before the program was disbanded, prompting his transfer to Fresno State. Playing as a tight end, Martz was known more for his intelligence and work ethic than for star power on the field. Following graduation in 1972, Martz quickly transitioned into coaching, where his true talents would shine.
Early Coaching Career
Martz began his coaching journey at the high school level in California before moving into the collegiate ranks, serving as an assistant at schools such as San Diego Mesa College, Santa Ana College, and Arizona State University. His early coaching career was marked by a focus on wide receivers and quarterbacks, positions that would later become his hallmark in the NFL. Martz’s reputation as a detail-oriented, offensive-minded coach grew steadily, leading to his eventual move to the professional level.
NFL Coaching Career

• Early NFL Roles (1980s-1990s): Martz broke into the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Rams (now St. Louis Rams) in 1992, working with quarterbacks and wide receivers. He also spent time with the Washington Redskins as a quarterbacks coach, further honing his offensive acumen.
• St. Louis Rams (1999–2005): Martz’s landmark NFL moment came as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams in 1999 under head coach Dick Vermeil. That season, Martz masterminded one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history, famously dubbed "The Greatest Show on Turf." The Rams, led by quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, shattered numerous offensive records and won Super Bowl XXXIV. Martz’s aggressive passing schemes and innovative play-calling were credited as key factors in the team’s success.
  • Martz was promoted to head coach in 2000 after Vermeil's retirement. Under his leadership, the Rams continued their high-powered offensive ways, making the playoffs in four of his five seasons and appearing in Super Bowl XXXVI (2001 season), though they lost to the New England Patriots.
• Notable Achievements as Head Coach:
  • Overall record as Rams head coach: 53–32
  • Four playoff appearances (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004)
  • Super Bowl XXXVI appearance (2001 season)
  • Coached NFL MVPs Kurt Warner (1999, 2001) and Marshall Faulk (2000)
• Later NFL Roles:
  • After being fired by the Rams in 2005 (partly due to health issues and organizational differences), Martz served as offensive coordinator for several teams: Detroit Lions (2006–2007), San Francisco 49ers (2008), and Chicago Bears (2010–2011). While his later offenses never quite recaptured the magic of his Rams days, Martz remained respected for his passing expertise and bold schemes.

Offensive Philosophy and Legacy
Mike Martz is widely recognized for his aggressive, pass-oriented offensive philosophy. He championed complex route combinations, creative use of running backs in the passing game, and vertical attacks that stretched defenses. His “Greatest Show on Turf” offense in St. Louis was one of the most prolific in NFL history, with the 1999 Rams scoring 526 points (32.9 points/game) and Kurt Warner throwing for over 4,300 yards and 41 touchdowns. Martz's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, go deep on any down, and trust his skill players made his offenses exciting and unpredictable.
Relevant Facts and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV, as offensive coordinator)
• Super Bowl runner-up (XXXVI, as head coach)
• Coached or developed several future Hall of Famers: Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, and Orlando Pace.
• Helped produce multiple top-5 league offenses and league MVPs.
• Known for his intense work ethic, attention to detail, and creative football mind.
• Retired from coaching in 2012, later working as an analyst and commentator for NFL and college football coverage.

Personal Life and Post-Coaching Career
Mike Martz is married and has children. Since leaving the NFL sidelines, he has remained involved in football as a broadcaster and analyst, sharing his insights on offensive football and the evolution of the game. His legacy endures as one of the most innovative offensive minds of his era, and the “Greatest Show on Turf” remains a benchmark for high-octane NFL offenses.
Summary
Mike Martz’s NFL career is defined by his offensive genius and his leadership of the St. Louis Rams during their most successful period in franchise history. With a record of bold play-calling, player development, and postseason success, Martz has left an indelible mark on the league, inspiring a new generation of coaches and players to push the boundaries of offensive football.