Scott Linehan – NFL Head Coach & Football Veteran

Background and Playing Career
Scott Linehan was born on September 17, 1963, in Sunnyside, Washington. He played college football as a quarterback at the University of Idaho from 1982 to
1986. Linehan was a three-year starter for the Vandals, amassing over 7,000 passing yards during his collegiate career and earning All-Big Sky Conference honors. Although his playing days were cut short due to injuries, his passion for the game seamlessly transitioned into coaching. Coaching Career – College and NFL

• Early College Coaching: Linehan began his coaching journey at his alma mater, the University of Idaho, in various offensive roles. He later served as an assistant at UNLV, the University of Washington, and Louisville, primarily focusing on quarterbacks and wide receivers.
• Entry into the NFL: In 2002, Linehan entered the NFL ranks as the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Under his guidance, the Vikings offense flourished, ranking among the league’s best in total offense during his tenure.
• Miami Dolphins: In 2005, he became the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, helping to improve their offensive production.
• St. Louis Rams Head Coach: Linehan was named head coach of the St. Louis Rams in
  2006. Although his stint as head coach (2006–2008) was challenging, he helped nurture young talent and contributed to the team’s offensive development. His overall record as head coach was 11–25.
• Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys: After his Rams tenure, Linehan served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (2009–2013), mentoring quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson. He then joined the Dallas Cowboys as passing game coordinator (2014) and later as offensive coordinator (2015–2018), guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances and working with stars like Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Dez Bryant.
• Recent Roles: Linehan has since held positions at LSU (passing game coordinator, 2020) and with the Missouri Tigers (analyst, 2021), showcasing his wealth of experience and adaptability across college and pro football.

Coaching Highlights and Notable Facts

• Renowned for his quarterback development and offensive innovation.
• Played a key role in the breakout seasons of several NFL stars, including Calvin Johnson and Dak Prescott.
• His Dallas Cowboys offenses consistently ranked among the league’s best in yardage and scoring.
• Known for his collaborative coaching style and ability to adapt schemes to his talent.

Legacy
Scott Linehan’s long career as a player and coach at both the college and professional levels has made him a respected figure in football circles. While his head coaching record with the Rams was modest, his impact as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks mentor has been significant, leaving a lasting mark on numerous teams and players.

Legacy & Career Overview

Scott Linehan: Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
Scott Linehan was born on September 17, 1963, in Sunnyside, Washington. Raised in a sports-oriented family, Linehan developed a passion for football at an early age, influenced by his father and brothers who were active in athletics. He attended Sunnyside High School, where he excelled as a quarterback, setting the foundation for his future in football both on and off the field. College Playing Career
Linehan continued his football journey at the collegiate level, playing quarterback for the University of Idaho Vandals from 1982 to
1986. Under the tutelage of head coaches Dennis Erickson and Keith Gilbertson, Linehan was known for his intelligence and leadership on the field. Despite his collegiate success, injuries limited his playing potential and ultimately ended his prospects of playing professionally. Nevertheless, his cerebral approach to the game made him a natural fit for a coaching career. Coaching Career Beginnings
Scott Linehan began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Idaho, serving as a volunteer coach in
1987. Over the next decade, he steadily climbed the coaching ranks, holding positions at several universities, including:

• Wide Receivers Coach at UNLV (1992–1993)
• Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Washington (1994–1998)
• Offensive Coordinator at Louisville (1999–2001)

His innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks garnered attention at the collegiate and professional levels. Transition to the NFL
Linehan made the jump to the NFL in 2002, joining the Minnesota Vikings as their Wide Receivers Coach before being promoted to Offensive Coordinator in
2003. During his tenure, the Vikings boasted one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, with quarterback Daunte Culpepper and wide receiver Randy Moss achieving career-best numbers. In 2005, Linehan was hired as the Offensive Coordinator of the Miami Dolphins, helping to revitalize their offense.

• Minnesota Vikings (2002–2004): Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach
• Miami Dolphins (2005): Offensive Coordinator

Head Coaching Career: St. Louis Rams
In 2006, Scott Linehan was named the Head Coach of the St. Louis Rams, marking the pinnacle of his coaching career. He inherited a team in transition and guided them to an 8-8 record in his first season. Unfortunately, the subsequent seasons were marred by injuries and roster challenges, and the team struggled to find consistency. Linehan compiled an overall record of 11-25 before being relieved of his duties four games into the 2008 season.

• St. Louis Rams (2006–2008): Head Coach
• Head Coaching Record: 11 wins, 25 losses

Return to Assistant Coaching and Continued NFL Impact
After his head coaching stint, Linehan returned to the NFL as an offensive coordinator and assistant coach, where he reestablished his reputation as a creative play-caller and quarterback mentor.

• Detroit Lions (2009–2013): Offensive Coordinator – Played a key role in the development of quarterback Matthew Stafford and the resurgence of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who set the NFL single-season receiving yards record in 2012.
• Dallas Cowboys (2014–2018): Passing Game Coordinator and later Offensive Coordinator – Oversaw the transition from Tony Romo to Dak Prescott at quarterback and helped the Cowboys reach the playoffs multiple times, including a 13-3 record in the 2016 season.
• LSU Tigers (2020): Passing Game Coordinator – Joined LSU for the 2020 season following their national championship run, adding his NFL expertise to the collegiate ranks.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Scott Linehan is widely regarded for his offensive acumen, innovative passing schemes, and ability to maximize the talents of his quarterbacks. Throughout his career, he has worked with and developed several Pro Bowl players and has been praised for his adaptability and leadership. While his head coaching tenure was brief and met with mixed results, his impact as an NFL assistant and coordinator is well recognized. Relevant Facts and Highlights

• Regarded as one of the NFL’s more innovative offensive coordinators, particularly in the passing game.
• Helped develop and maximize the talents of quarterbacks such as Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford, and Dak Prescott.
• Coached Calvin Johnson during his record-setting 2012 season (1,964 receiving yards).
• Was part of the Dallas Cowboys staff during several NFC East titles and playoff runs.
• Has over 30 years of coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Personal Life
Scott Linehan is married and has three sons, one of whom, Matt Linehan, played quarterback at the University of Idaho. Known for his professionalism and dedication to the sport, Linehan continues to be involved in football, whether as a coach, consultant, or mentor to young players and coaches. Conclusion
Scott Linehan’s long and varied football career—from college quarterback to NFL head coach and respected offensive coordinator—has left an indelible mark on the game. While he may not have achieved lasting success as a head coach, his contributions to offensive football and quarterback development have been significant, earning him respect throughout the football world.