After retiring from his playing career in 2015, former Super Bowl winning LB Jerod Mayo joined his former team, the New England Patriots as an Inside linebackers coach in 2019. He spent 4 years in that role before being promoted to Head Coach in 2024. Although there were lofty expectations around him to get the team back on track, Mayo underwhelmed. Under his leadership, the team ended their regular season 4-13. Shortly after this, the team decided to move on from Mayo, replacing him with the next guy on this list.
After a strong run with the Titans, season with the Titans from 2018-2023, Vrabel was one of the top names on many team's list for their HC role. As fate would have it, he found his way back home. The New England Patriots signed their former star LB to a multi-year contract.
After a five year stint with the Chicago Bears during his playing career, Mike Ditka eventually returned to the club as a coach in 1982. He was with the Bears for 10 seasons. The legendary TE led his squad to a Super Bowl victory in the 1985 season. Ditka was named the NFL Coach of the year twice in his coaching career with the Bears.
After a two year stint with the Lions from 2006-08, Dan Campbell returned to Detroit as their HC in 2021. Tasked with turning the downtrodden franchise around, the Lions have improved every year under Campbell and are poised for a Super Bowl run this year.
After a short single season stint with the Chargers during 1999-2000 season during his playing career, Jim Harbaugh returned to his former side as a HC in 2024. In his first season at Los Angeles, Harbaugh led his team to an 11-6 record and reached the playoffs. Unfortunately, thy went one-and-done, falling to the Texans 32-13 in the Wild Card round.
Larry Wilson spent 12 years with the Cardinals as a player. After retiring, he rejoined the team as their Defensive backs and scouting director in 1973. Later, he was promoted to the team's personnel director and interim HC between 1977 and 1979.
Frank Reich earned his first head coaching job with the Colts in 2018. After being fired, the former Panthers QB returned to Carolina to be their head coach in 2023. He didn't even make it through the season.
Gary Kubiak started coaching four years after retiring in 1991. He immediately joined his former team, the Broncos, to be their OC. After a decade with the team, he earned his first head coaching opportunity with the Texans. In 2015, he returned to Denver as their head coach, lasting just two seasons.
2x Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans returned to his former team as their new HC in 2023 and has been there ever since. Ryans' Texans have won the division and a playoff game during both of his seasons.
After retiring following the 1993 season, Mike Munchak immediately joined the Houston Oilers' coaching staff. He was promoted to OL coach in 1997, a position he held until 2011, when he was promoted to head coach. He lasted three years with the Titans.
