Rich Bisaccia: NFL Head Coach Biography

Rich Bisaccia is a veteran football coach with decades of experience in both college football and the National Football League (NFL). Known for his expertise in special teams and leadership, Bisaccia has built a reputation as a respected and steady presence on the sidelines.

Early Life and Playing Career

• Born: June 3, 1960, in Yonkers, New York
• College: Yankton College (South Dakota)
• Playing Position: Defensive Back and Running Back
• Bisaccia played college football at Yankton College, where he was a four-year letterman.

Coaching Career: College

• Began coaching in 1983 as a defensive backs and special teams coach at Wayne State College (Nebraska).
• Had stints as an assistant coach at South Carolina, Clemson, and Ole Miss, primarily working with running backs, defensive backs, and special teams.

Coaching Career: NFL

• 2002–2010: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Special Teams Coordinator, later Assistant Head Coach
  
  • Won Super Bowl XXXVII (2002 season) with the Buccaneers.
• 2011–2012: San Diego Chargers – Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach
• 2013–2017: Dallas Cowboys – Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach
• 2018–2021: Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders – Special Teams Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach
• 2021: Las Vegas Raiders – Interim Head Coach
  • Took over as interim head coach after Jon Gruden’s resignation during the 2021 season.
  • Led the Raiders to a 7–5 record down the stretch, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.
  • Became the first interim head coach since 2012 to lead a team to the playoffs.
• 2022–present: Green Bay Packers – Special Teams Coordinator

Coaching Highlights and Accomplishments

• Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Widely respected for his special teams expertise and leadership abilities
• Noted for his ability to connect with players and steady hand during times of adversity
• One of the league’s top special teams coordinators over two decades
• Guided the Raiders to an improbable playoff run as interim head coach in 2021

Personal

• Bisaccia is known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to motivate players.
• He has four children, including a son who has worked as a coach at the collegiate level.

Rich Bisaccia remains a highly respected figure in the NFL, admired for his resilience, leadership, and deep knowledge of the game.

Legacy & Career Overview

Rich Bisaccia: NFL Head Coach Biography

Rich Bisaccia is a seasoned American football coach whose career in the NFL spans over two decades, marked by his expertise in special teams coordination and his recent emergence as a respected head coach. Born on June 3, 1960, in Yonkers, New York, Bisaccia’s journey through football has been characterized by perseverance, adaptability, and a deep tactical understanding of the game.

Early Life and Playing Career

Rich Bisaccia grew up in New York and attended New Fairfield High School in Connecticut, where he began to cultivate his love for football. He went on to play college football at Wayne State College in Nebraska, where he was a defensive back and team captain. Though he did not play professionally, his playing days laid the foundation for a lifelong coaching career.

Coaching Career Beginnings

Bisaccia’s coaching journey began in 1983 at his alma mater, Wayne State, as a defensive backs and special teams coach. He moved through the collegiate ranks over the next decade, holding various assistant roles at universities such as South Carolina (where he worked under legendary coach Lou Holtz), Clemson, and Ole Miss. His early focus on special teams and running backs made him a versatile and valued member of coaching staffs.

Transition to the NFL

In 2002, Bisaccia made the leap to the NFL, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their special teams coordinator. His impact was felt immediately, and he was a key part of the coaching staff under Jon Gruden that led the Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII during his first season. Bisaccia’s special teams units were consistently among the league’s best, known for their discipline and innovative play.

He spent nine seasons in Tampa Bay (2002–2010), earning a reputation for developing special teams talent and maximizing the performance of his units. During his tenure, the Buccaneers saw multiple players earn Pro Bowl honors as special teamers.

Further NFL Coaching Roles

After his stint in Tampa Bay, Bisaccia continued his NFL journey with the San Diego Chargers (2011–2012) as special teams coordinator and later as assistant head coach. He then reunited with Gruden at the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in 2018, again as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. His leadership and motivational skills made him a respected figure in every locker room he entered.

In addition to these roles, Bisaccia spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2013–2017) as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, working under head coach Jason Garrett. His tenure was marked by improved special teams play and the emergence of standout players like Dan Bailey and Dwayne Harris.

Interim Head Coach: Las Vegas Raiders

Bisaccia’s leadership was thrust into the national spotlight during the 2021 NFL season. After Jon Gruden’s resignation, Bisaccia was named interim head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Under challenging circumstances, he guided the team to a 7-5 finish down the stretch, leading them to a 10-7 overall record and a playoff berth—the Raiders’ first since
2016. The team’s resilience and unity under his stewardship drew widespread praise, and Bisaccia became the first interim head coach in NFL history to lead his team to the postseason since Bruce Arians with the Colts in
2012.

• 2021 Regular Season Record as Interim HC: 7-5
• 2021 Overall Team Record: 10-7
• 2021 Playoff Appearance: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals in AFC Wild Card

Despite his success, the Raiders opted to hire Josh McDaniels as full-time head coach following the season. Bisaccia’s brief head coaching tenure, however, left a lasting impression on players and fans alike, who lauded his steady hand and emotional intelligence during a turbulent period.

Recent Career and Current Role

In 2022, Bisaccia joined the Green Bay Packers as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach under Matt LaFleur. Tasked with revamping one of the league’s most maligned special teams units, Bisaccia quickly implemented changes that led to significant improvement, including the development of return specialist Keisean Nixon and the stabilization of the kicking game.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Rich Bisaccia is widely regarded for his player-first approach, motivational leadership, and meticulous attention to detail, especially on special teams. His ability to connect with and inspire players from all backgrounds has made him one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, despite never holding a permanent head coaching position (as of 2024).

Throughout his career, Bisaccia has coached multiple Pro Bowlers and All-Pro special teamers, contributed to a Super Bowl championship, and earned a reputation as one of the top special teams minds in football. His legacy is one of resilience, adaptability, and a tireless commitment to his teams.

Personal and Off-Field Life

Rich Bisaccia is married to Jeanne, and together they have four children. Two of his children have also pursued careers in football coaching and administration, continuing the Bisaccia football tradition.

Notable Career Highlights

• Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2002)
• First interim head coach in Raiders history to lead the team to the playoffs
• Over 20 years of NFL coaching experience, with a specialization in special teams
• Renowned for revitalizing struggling special teams units and developing young talent

Rich Bisaccia’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that have made him one of the most respected figures in NFL coaching circles.