12 Former Football Coaches Who Thrived in Unexpected Careers
Did anyone say coaching stops at the final whistle? That’s not quite the case. These former football minds didn’t hang it all up when they left the game—they shifted gears entirely. What came next might surprise you, as their second acts are bold and full of unexpected turns. It would seem that coaching football was only the beginning.
Jeff Fisher: Arena Football One Commissioner
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Swapping a headset for a commissioner title might sound wild, but that’s where things went post-coaching for Jeff Fisher. He took the reins at Arena Football One by bringing a familiar swagger and a sharp eye for football entertainment. His leadership added legitimacy to a league that thrives on speed and spectacle far from the NFL spotlight but full of action.
Mike Ditka: Restaurateur
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One of the most recognizable mustaches in NFL history ended up hanging over a plate of prime rib. Mike Ditka opened a chain of steak joints after his coaching days were over, turning “Da Coach” into “Da Restaurateur.” Diners get hearty cuts served in football-themed digs. It’s part dining experience, part sports history lesson, with a healthy splash of Chicago pride throughout the menu.
Marv Levy: Author and Poet
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It’s not every day you hear about a former NFL coach who dabbled in verse and historical fiction. After retirement, the man who once took the Bills to four Super Bowls turned to poetry and war-era novels. Marv Levy had a master’s in English and used it well by writing with the same discipline he brought to the field.
Jim E. Mora: On-Air Analyst and Sports Radio Commentator
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A single word—”Playoffs?!”—established Jim E. Mora’s place in NFL meme history, but there’s a lot more where that came from. Fans quickly discovered his fiery energy belonged behind a mic. He filled the airwaves with bold takes, and that unmistakable voice turned sports radio and TV into his version of the two-minute drill.
Dick Vermeil: Vintner
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Long before his Cabernet started winning fans, the Rose Bowl-winning coach led the Rams to a Super Bowl title. After retiring, he cultivated grapes on land once used by his grandfather in Napa. Dick Vermeil launched his wine label with heart and heritage after pouring decades of precision into bottles that combined family legacy with full-bodied flavor.
Barry Switzer: Pigskin Palace Airbnb Owner and Vintner
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Forget quiet retirement—Barry Switzer turned his Oklahoma home into a football-themed Airbnb called the Pigskin Palace. He outfitted the place with trophies, memorabilia, and Sooners flair. Guests can even sleep under framed play diagrams. This coaching legend also produces wine because, apparently, coaching championships and running eccentric rentals weren’t quite enough to stay busy.
Tommy Tuberville: U.S. Senator
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Tommy Tuberville surprised a lot of folks when he moved from the SEC to the U.S. Senate. He ran for office in Alabama and won. His popularity from coaching Auburn gave him name recognition, but his political stances and headlines now come from Capitol Hill instead of college football Saturdays.
Jon Gruden: Media Personality and Barstool Sports Employee
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Most people remember the raspy voice and intense QB breakdowns, but few expected his move into digital media. After his ESPN days, Jon Gruden joined Barstool Sports as a contributor. The Super Bowl-winning coach mixed football commentary with raw online banter and took his larger-than-life presence from Monday nights to a new crowd living mostly online.
Paul Alexander: Classical Pianist and Author
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After years of coaching offensive lines in the NFL, Paul Alexander developed serious skills on the keys, even performing works by Chopin and Bach. He also wrote a book connecting performance principles in music and football.
Tony Dungy: Author and Football Night in America Analyst
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Few voices in football come across with as much calm authority as Tony Dungy’s, and that translated well to television. He became a staple on NBC’s “Football Night in America” and also penned several bestsellers focused on leadership and personal growth. His thoughtful presence continues to resonate well beyond the world of coaching.
Jim Tressel: Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
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The move from coaching Ohio State to politics may seem like a leap, but he handled both roles with the same composed intensity. Jim Tressel serves as lieutenant governor of Ohio with a focus on education and civic responsibility. His ability to connect with people is as valuable in government as it was in the locker room.
Hank Stram: Color Commentator
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Hank Stram brought his coaching charisma to the broadcast booth after leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win. He became a beloved CBS color commentator in the 1970s and 80s, famous for vivid descriptions and sharp phrases. His signature line—”matriculate the ball down the field”—still echoes as one of football’s most endearing quirks.
Don Shula: Restaurateur
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The legendary Dolphins coach made a successful turn into steakhouse ownership by launching a chain that carries his name across the country. Don Shula’s restaurants became known for premium cuts and NFL style. His attention to excellence extended from locker rooms to dining rooms until his passing in 2020 at age 90.
Joe Gibbs: Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) Partner
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After leading Washington to three Super Bowl wins and building a NASCAR empire, Joe Gibbs made yet another power move. He became a partner at HBSE, the group behind the 76ers and Devils. His ability to lead across different sports carried over smoothly and made him as influential off the field as he was on it.