Mike Tice - NFL Head Coach Bio

Background and Playing Career
Mike Tice, born on February 2, 1959, in Central Islip, New York, made his mark in the NFL both as a player and a coach. Tice played college football as a quarterback at the University of Maryland, but after going undrafted in 1981, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks and converted to tight end. Tice played 14 seasons in the NFL (1981–1995), primarily with the Seahawks, but also spent time with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. Over his playing career, he appeared in 177 games and recorded 107 receptions for 894 yards and 11 touchdowns. Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Tice quickly transitioned to coaching, beginning with the Minnesota Vikings as a tight ends coach in
1996. He climbed the ranks within the Vikings organization, serving as the offensive line coach and later assistant head coach. In 2001, Tice was named interim head coach after Dennis Green's departure, and he was given the full-time head coaching job in
2002.

• Minnesota Vikings (Head Coach, 2001–2005): Tice led the team through four seasons and compiled a regular-season record of 32–
  33. His best season came in 2004, when the Vikings made the playoffs and secured a memorable Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
• Subsequent NFL Roles: After his head coaching stint, Tice went on to have a successful career as an offensive line coach and assistant head coach with several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars (2006–2009), Chicago Bears (2010–2012, also serving as offensive coordinator in 2012), Atlanta Falcons (2014), and Oakland Raiders (2015–2017).

Relevant Facts and Highlights

• Known for his straightforward, player-friendly approach and expertise in offensive line play.
• His Vikings teams were often among the NFL’s top offenses, especially during the Daunte Culpepper–Randy Moss era.
• At 6'8", Tice is one of the tallest head coaches in NFL history.
• Brother John Tice also played in the NFL.

Legacy
Mike Tice’s NFL journey is distinguished by his longevity as both a player and coach. While he never won a Super Bowl or Coach of the Year honors, his impact on offensive line development and his leadership during a transitional period for the Vikings have made him a respected figure in league circles.

Legacy & Career Overview

Mike Tice: An In-Depth Biography

Early Life and Background
Mike Tice was born on February 2, 1959, in Central Islip, New York. Raised in a football-loving family, Mike and his younger brother John Tice both carved out careers in the NFL. Standing at an imposing 6’8”, Tice’s size and athleticism were apparent from a young age. He attended Central Islip High School, where he excelled in multiple sports before heading to the University of Maryland. At Maryland, Tice played quarterback before converting to tight end, where he would ultimately make his mark. Playing Career
Mike Tice entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1981 but quickly found a home with the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 14-season career as a tight end (1981–1995), Tice played for three teams:

• Seattle Seahawks (1981–1988, 1990–1991, 1992–1993)
• Washington Redskins (1989)
• Minnesota Vikings (1992–1995)

Tice was never a prolific receiver, finishing his career with 107 receptions, 894 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. However, he was highly respected for his blocking ability and leadership on the field, attributes that would serve him well in his coaching career. He appeared in over 177 games and was known as one of the tallest players in NFL history. Transition to Coaching
Tice wasted no time moving into coaching after his playing days. He joined the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff in 1996 as the tight ends coach under head coach Dennis Green. Tice was quickly recognized for his football acumen and leadership, and he rose through the ranks, becoming the offensive line coach (1997–2001) and then assistant head coach. Head Coaching Career: Minnesota Vikings (2001–2005)
Mike Tice was promoted to interim head coach of the Vikings in December 2001 following Dennis Green’s dismissal. He was named the full-time head coach prior to the 2002 season, making him the sixth head coach in Minnesota Vikings history. Tice’s tenure as head coach (2002–2005) was marked by both challenges and notable achievements:

• Record: Compiled a 32–33 regular season record and a 1–1 playoff record.
• Innovations: Known for his creative offensive schemes and aggressive offensive line play. Under his leadership, the Vikings led the NFL in total offense in 2003 and 2004.
• 2004 Playoffs: Led the Vikings to a dramatic Wild Card victory over the division rival Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, one of the highlights of his coaching stint.
• Player Development: Helped develop Pro Bowl talent such as Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss, whose careers flourished under Tice’s offensive philosophy.

Despite never winning a division title, Tice’s teams were known for their resilience and offensive firepower. His tenure was also marred by the "ticket scalping" scandal and the infamous "Love Boat" incident, both of which led to negative media coverage and off-field distractions. Post-Vikings Coaching Career
After leaving the Vikings, Tice continued his NFL coaching career as a top offensive line coach and assistant head coach for several franchises:

• Jacksonville Jaguars (2006–2009): Served as assistant head coach and tight ends coach, then offensive line coach.
• Chicago Bears (2010–2012): Offensive line coach and later offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith. Helped the Bears reach the NFC Championship Game in 2010.
• Atlanta Falcons (2014): Offensive line coach.
• Oakland Raiders (2015–2017): Offensive line coach, contributing to a resurgence in the Raiders’ running game and offensive line performance.

Tice retired from coaching after the 2017 season but has remained a respected voice in football circles, occasionally appearing on sports radio and podcasts. Legacy and Personal Life
Mike Tice is widely regarded as a "player’s coach"—a leader who understood the locker room and commanded respect with his direct approach and football intelligence. Though he never won a Super Bowl, his influence on offensive line play and his role in developing several notable players are lasting marks on the NFL. He is also remembered for his towering presence on the field and sideline, as well as his jovial and straightforward personality. Tice has a son, Nate Tice, who is also involved in football as a coach and analyst. Mike Tice’s legacy is that of a hard-nosed football man who climbed from undrafted player to NFL head coach and left a lasting impression on everyone he coached.
Notable Facts and Accomplishments

• Played 14 seasons as an NFL tight end, one of the longest careers for his position.
• Head coach of the Minnesota Vikings (2002–2005), leading the team to the playoffs in 2004.
• Coached and developed multiple Pro Bowlers, including Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss.
• Highly respected offensive line coach, helping multiple teams achieve top rushing and pass protection stats.
• Known for his adaptability, leadership, and innovative offensive schemes.

Conclusion
Mike Tice’s journey through the NFL, from undrafted player to head coach, is a testament to his passion, work ethic, and football mind. He remains a respected figure in the league and an important part of NFL history, particularly for fans of the Minnesota Vikings and the teams he helped shape as a coach.