Dave Wannstedt Bears Obituary, Who was the Chicago Bears Coach?

Who Is Dave Wannstedt? Former Chicago Bears Head Coach Built a Long and Respected Football Coaching Career

David Raymond Wannstedt is an American former college and professional football coach whose decades-long career has left a lasting mark on the game. Best known to many NFL fans as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 1993 to 1998, Wannstedt also led the Miami Dolphins and later returned to his alma mater as head coach of the University of Pittsburgh football program.

Born on May 21, 1952, in Baldwin, Pennsylvania, Wannstedt developed a passion for football at an early age while attending Baldwin High School. His talent earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he played offensive tackle. During his collegiate career, he was part of the Panthers program that featured future Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, serving as one of the linemen who helped pave the way for one of college football’s greatest running backs.

Following his successful college career, Wannstedt was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL Draft. However, a neck injury limited his professional playing career, and he spent his lone NFL season on the injured reserve list. Although his time as a player was brief, the setback ultimately opened the door to a coaching career that would span more than four decades.

Wannstedt quickly established himself as one of football’s most respected defensive minds. Early in his coaching career, he worked alongside legendary coach Jimmy Johnson, forming a successful partnership that extended across several programs. The pair coached together at the University of Pittsburgh before reuniting at Oklahoma State University and later helping build the powerhouse Miami Hurricanes program. Their partnership continued in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, where Wannstedt served as defensive coordinator during one of the franchise’s most successful eras.

In 1993, Wannstedt was named head coach of the Chicago Bears, succeeding the legendary Mike Ditka. He remained in the role through the 1998 season before becoming head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, he returned home to Pennsylvania to lead the University of Pittsburgh football team, serving as head coach through 2010.

Throughout his coaching journey, Dave Wannstedt earned respect for his football knowledge, leadership, and commitment to developing players. From college football to the NFL, he helped shape numerous successful teams and coached alongside some of the sport’s most influential figures.

Today, Wannstedt remains a recognizable and respected voice in football, remembered not only for his years leading the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Panthers, but also for his lasting contributions to the game as a coach, mentor, and teacher of football.