Dick Vermeil was born on October 30, 1936 in Calistoga, California. He grew up with a love for football, playing the sport throughout his youth. Vermeil attended Calistoga Junior-Senior High School, where he excelled on the football field and caught the attention of college recruiters.
Vermeil went on to attend the College of San Mateo, where he continued to play football. After graduating, he began his coaching career at the same college, starting out as a weight lifting coach. Vermeil's talent and dedication quickly caught the eye of others in the coaching world, propelling him towards a successful career in football coaching.
Vermeil's coaching career took off when he was hired as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 1969. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the team's head coach in 1971. Vermeil's coaching style was known for its intensity and attention to detail, which helped lead the Rams to multiple successful seasons.
In 1976, Vermeil was named head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was able to turn the struggling team around, leading them to several playoff appearances during his tenure. Vermeil's coaching prowess was recognized in 1980 when he was named Coach of the Year in the NFL.
After leaving the Eagles, Vermeil took on coaching positions with the Kansas City Chiefs and eventually returned to the Rams as head coach. It was during his second stint with the Rams that Vermeil achieved his greatest coaching success, winning Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.
Vermeil married Carolyn White on January 28, 1956, and the couple had three children together. Despite the demands of his coaching career, Vermeil always made time for his family and valued their support throughout his professional journey.
Throughout his career, Vermeil's commitment to excellence and his love for the game of football never wavered. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
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