Mike Sherman: NFL Head Coach Bio

Early Life and Playing Career
Mike Sherman was born on December 19, 1954, in Norwood, Massachusetts. He played college football as an offensive lineman at Central Connecticut State University, graduating in
1977. While Sherman did not play professionally in the NFL, his passion for the sport quickly led him to a distinguished coaching career. Coaching Career

• College Coaching: Sherman began his coaching journey at the high school level before moving to college football. He held assistant coaching roles at several programs, including the University of Pittsburgh, Tulane, Holy Cross, and Texas A&M. Notably, he served as the offensive line coach and later as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, helping to build a strong offensive reputation.
• Green Bay Packers (NFL): Sherman joined the NFL ranks with the Green Bay Packers as a tight ends coach (1997–1998) and later as offensive coordinator (1999). In 2000, he was promoted to head coach, a position he held until
  2005. During his tenure, Sherman compiled a regular season record of 57–39, led the Packers to three consecutive NFC North titles (2002–2004), and made five playoff appearances.
• Houston Texans (NFL): After his time with Green Bay, Sherman was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans (2006–2007), where he worked on developing the team’s offense.
• Texas A&M (Head Coach): Sherman returned to Texas A&M as the head coach from 2008 to 2011, posting a 25–25 record and helping to lay the groundwork for the program’s transition into the SEC.
• Miami Dolphins (NFL): Sherman served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2013, guiding the offense during Ryan Tannehill’s first two seasons as quarterback.
• Other Coaching Roles: Sherman also coached in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes in 2018.

Highlights & Accomplishments

• Compiled an NFL regular season head coaching record of 57–39 with the Packers.
• Led Green Bay to three NFC North division titles and five playoff appearances.
• Helped develop and mentor numerous NFL players, including Brett Favre and Ryan Tannehill.
• Respected for his offensive acumen and ability to rebuild and stabilize programs at both the college and professional levels.

Legacy
Mike Sherman is widely recognized for his leadership and strategic mind, particularly during his successful run with the Green Bay Packers. His work as both a head coach and offensive coordinator has had a lasting impact on several teams at the college and professional levels.

Legacy & Career Overview

Mike Sherman: NFL Head Coach - A Comprehensive Biography

Background and Early Life
Mike Sherman was born on December 19, 1954, in Norwood, Massachusetts. Raised in a traditional New England family, Sherman attended Central Connecticut State University, where he played as an offensive lineman. While he did not have a high-profile playing career, his passion for the game and attention to detail set the stage for a long and impactful career in coaching. Sherman graduated in 1977, and soon after began his journey into coaching, first at the high school and then at the collegiate level. Early Coaching Career
Sherman's coaching career began at Stamford High School in Connecticut, where he served as an English teacher and football coach. His early years were spent developing players and learning the intricacies of coaching. By the early 1980s, Sherman advanced to the collegiate level, joining the staff at the University of Pittsburgh. Over the next decade, he held various assistant coaching positions, including stops at Tulane, Holy Cross, Texas A&M, and UCLA. It was at Texas A&M where Sherman first made a name for himself as a skilled offensive line coach and a disciplined leader. Entry into the NFL
Sherman’s NFL journey began in 1997 when he was hired by the Green Bay Packers as their tight ends and then offensive line coach under head coach Mike Holmgren. His tenure with the Packers was marked by his work developing a strong offensive line and improving the effectiveness of the team's running and passing games. After two seasons, he followed Holmgren to the Seattle Seahawks for one year (1999) as offensive coordinator. Head Coaching Career: Green Bay Packers (2000–2005)
Sherman returned to Green Bay in 2000, this time as the franchise’s twelfth head coach. He quickly established himself as a methodical and prepared leader, known for his steady demeanor and attention to detail. Under Sherman’s guidance, the Packers enjoyed a period of stability and competitiveness. Notably:

• Regular Season Record: Sherman compiled a 57–39 record over six seasons with the Packers.
• Playoff Appearances: Sherman led Green Bay to the playoffs in five consecutive seasons (2001–2004), including three NFC North division titles (2002, 2003, 2004).
• Signature Achievements: Sherman oversaw the later years of Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre’s career and was credited with revitalizing the Packers’ running game, particularly with Ahman Green’s breakout performances. In 2003, the Packers led the NFL in rushing yards.
• Dual Roles: From 2001 to 2004, Sherman also served as the team’s general manager, overseeing personnel decisions and drafting key players like Javon Walker and Nick Barnett.

Despite regular season successes, Sherman’s Packers teams struggled in the playoffs, winning only two of six postseason games. His most memorable playoff victory came in 2003 with an overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks, known for Al Harris’s “pick-six” interception. Post-Packers NFL and College Coaching
After being dismissed by the Packers in 2005, Sherman joined the Houston Texans as offensive coordinator (2006) and was later promoted to assistant head coach (2007). He returned to Texas A&M as head coach (2008-2011), where he posted a 25–25 record and helped lay the groundwork for the program’s transition into the SEC. Sherman returned to the NFL as offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (2012–2013), where he helped develop quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who had previously played under Sherman at Texas A&M. Later Career and Personal Life
In the mid-2010s, Sherman briefly coached in the Canadian Football League as head coach of the Montreal Alouettes (2018), though his stint was short-lived. He also coached at the high school level in Massachusetts, reflecting his commitment to developing players at all stages. Mike Sherman is known for his old-school approach, meticulous preparation, and strong leadership. He is married to Karen Sherman and has several children. His legacy is marked by consistent regular-season success, player development, and a deep influence on both NFL and collegiate football. Notable Accomplishments & Legacy

• Three consecutive NFC North titles (2002–2004)
• Five playoff berths in six years as Packers head coach
• 57–39 regular season NFL head coaching record
• Integral in the development of key NFL players, including Brett Favre, Ahman Green, and Ryan Tannehill
• Respected as both a coach and general manager, rare in modern NFL history

Summary
Mike Sherman’s career in football spans over four decades, marked by versatility, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the sport. While he may not have won a Super Bowl, his impact on the teams and players he coached is substantial, earning him respect across the football landscape. His legacy is that of a detail-oriented coach who brought stability and success to the Green Bay Packers and influenced generations of players and coaches at every level of the game.