Steve Spurrier: NFL Head Coach and College Football Legend

Background and Playing Career
Steve Spurrier, born April 20, 1945, is a renowned figure in American football, celebrated for his achievements as both a player and coach. Spurrier played quarterback for the University of Florida Gators from 1964 to 1966, where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in
1966. His collegiate stardom led to a professional playing career in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers (1967–1975) and briefly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976). Coaching Career: College and NFL
Spurrier's coaching career is most famous for his innovative offenses and success in the college ranks. He began as an assistant coach before taking head coaching jobs at:

• Duke University (1987–1989): Led Duke to its first ACC title in over 25 years (1989).
• University of Florida (1990–2001): Transformed Florida into a national powerhouse, winning six SEC championships and the 1996 National Championship. Spurrier's "Fun 'n' Gun" offense revolutionized the SEC.
• Washington Redskins (NFL) (2002–2003): Spurrier's NFL head coaching tenure was less successful, compiling a 12–20 record over two seasons before resigning.
• University of South Carolina (2005–2015): Spurrier led the Gamecocks to unprecedented success, including their first SEC East title (2010) and three consecutive 11-win seasons (2011–2013).

Relevant Facts and Accomplishments

• Heisman Trophy winner (1966).
• 1996 College Football National Champion (Florida).
• Six-time SEC Champion as head coach (Florida).
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as both player and coach.
• Noted for his offensive innovation and quotable, colorful personality.

Legacy
Steve Spurrier is recognized as one of college football's greatest coaches and offensive minds. While his NFL head coaching stint was brief and less impactful, his legacy is cemented by his transformative influence on the college game, especially at Florida and South Carolina.

Legacy & Career Overview

Steve Spurrier: Long Biography

Early Life and Background
Steve Spurrier, born on April 20, 1945, in Miami Beach, Florida, is one of American football's most colorful and innovative figures. Raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, Spurrier was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling particularly in football and basketball. His leadership and natural flair for the game became evident early, paving the way for a storied career as both a player and coach. Collegiate Playing Career
Spurrier attended the University of Florida, where he played quarterback for the Florida Gators from 1964 to
1966. Renowned for his football intelligence and passing accuracy, Spurrier won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in
1966. He left Florida as one of the school's all-time greats, setting numerous passing records and earning consensus All-American honors. His number 11 jersey was later retired by the Gators in recognition of his impact on the program. Professional Playing Career
Spurrier was selected third overall in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Serving primarily as a backup quarterback during his professional career, Spurrier played for the 49ers from 1967 to 1975, and finished his NFL playing days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in
1976. In total, he appeared in 106 NFL games, passing for 5,872 yards and 40 touchdowns. Although never a long-term starter, Spurrier was respected for his football IQ and adaptability.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Years
After his playing days, Spurrier began his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach at the University of Florida in
1978. He then moved on to several assistant coaching roles, including a stint with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Duke Blue Devils. Rising to Head Coach: Duke and the USFL
Spurrier's first major head coaching role came with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League (USFL) from 1983 to
1985. His innovative "Bandit Ball" offense became a sensation, and Spurrier established his reputation as an offensive mastermind. He returned to the college ranks as head coach at Duke University (1987–1989), where he led the Blue Devils to an ACC championship in 1989, their first since
1962. Florida Gators Head Coach (1990–2001)
Steve Spurrier’s tenure as head coach of the Florida Gators is legendary. Taking over in 1990, Spurrier transformed the program into a national powerhouse with his up-tempo, pass-oriented "Fun 'n' Gun" offense. Under his leadership, Florida won six Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and captured the school’s first national championship in 1996 with a resounding victory over Florida State in the Sugar Bowl.

• Record at Florida: 122–27–1
• SEC Championships: 6 (1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000)
• National Championship: 1996
• Coach of the Year Honors: Multiple, including AP, Walter Camp, and SEC Coach of the Year

Spurrier coached Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel and numerous All-Americans, forever changing the face of SEC football with his aggressive offensive strategies and witty press conference quips.

NFL Head Coaching Career: Washington Redskins (2002–2003)

After his immense college success, Spurrier was hired as head coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins in
2002. Expectations were high for his innovative offensive schemes; however, Spurrier found the transition to the NFL challenging. Over two seasons, the Redskins posted a 12–20 record under his guidance. Spurrier resigned after the 2003 season, citing frustration with the professional game's constraints and lack of control over personnel.

Return to College and Later Years

South Carolina Gamecocks (2005–2015)
Spurrier returned to the collegiate ranks as head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, where he revitalized the program. He led the Gamecocks to three consecutive 11-win seasons (2011–2013), the highest in school history, and an SEC East title in
2010. Spurrier became South Carolina’s all-time winningest coach, further cementing his legacy as one of college football’s greatest minds. Other Coaching and Honors
After retiring from South Carolina in 2015, Spurrier briefly returned to coaching with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019, leading them to the league’s best record before its abrupt shutdown.

• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2017 (as a coach, previously inducted as a player in 1986)
• Overall College Head Coaching Record: 228–89–2

Legacy and Personal Life

Steve Spurrier is celebrated as both a brilliant strategist and a larger-than-life personality. He is one of only four people to win the Heisman Trophy and coach a national championship team. His offensive innovations, quotable personality, and ability to turn struggling programs into contenders have made him a beloved figure in college football history. Spurrier is married to his wife, Jerri, and they have four children. He remains active as a consultant and ambassador for the University of Florida. Summary of Key Accomplishments:

• Heisman Trophy Winner (1966)
• National Championship Coach (1996)
• 6x SEC Champion (as coach)
• Multiple-time SEC Coach of the Year
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (as player and coach)
• Florida Gators, South Carolina Gamecocks, Washington Redskins Head Coach

Steve Spurrier’s impact on football—both collegiate and professional—remains indelible, marked by his inventive offenses, bold personality, and relentless pursuit of victory.