Dick Vermeil was born October 30, 1936, in Calistoga, California. He grew up in a small town with a strong work ethic. His father ran an auto repair shop. Vermeil worked there as a boy. He played quarterback at Calistoga High School. He graduated in 1954. He attended Napa Junior College, then transferred to San Jose State. He played quarterback and earned a degree in physical education.
Vermeil started coaching in 1959. He worked at the high school, junior college, and college levels. He became head coach at UCLA in 1974. In 1976, his team won the Rose Bowl. That same year, he was hired as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles had not made the playoffs in 18 years. Vermeil changed that. By 1980, they played in the Super Bowl. He retired in 1983 due to burnout.
He returned in 1997 to coach the St. Louis Rams. In 1999, the Rams won the Super Bowl. Vermeil retired again. In 2001, he came back to coach the Kansas City Chiefs. He led them to a division title in 2003. He retired for the final time in 2005.
Vermeil was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 2000.
Dick Vermeil was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
