Jedd Fisch may not be a household name like Nick Saban or Bill Belichick, but his coaching journey is one of the most fascinating in football today. If you’re asking, “Who is Jedd Fisch?” or “How did he rise so fast in the world of football?” — you’re not alone.
Fisch didn’t follow the traditional path to coaching. He wasn’t a star college player. He didn’t work his way up through a single system. Instead, he built a coaching career through bold moves, smart networking, and a deep understanding of the game.
Let’s take a closer look at Jedd Fisch’s coaching career — where he started, who he learned from, and how he became a rising name in both college football and the NFL.
Early Life and Education
Jedd Fisch was born on May 5, 1976, in Livingston, New Jersey. Unlike many football coaches, he never played college football. He attended the University of Florida, where he served as a student assistant under head coach Steve Spurrier.
Though he wasn’t on the field as a player, Fisch was already thinking like a coach. He studied film, learned playbooks, and worked closely with the offensive staff. This early experience planted the seeds for his future coaching style.
Getting His First Break in the NFL
In 2002, Fisch got his first real shot in the NFL. He joined the Houston Texans as a defensive quality control coach under Dom Capers. From there, he moved through several NFL positions, including time with the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks.
He worked under big names like Brian Billick, Mike Shanahan, and Pete Carroll. Each stop helped him grow — learning different systems, styles, and philosophies of the game.
NFL Positions Held:
- Houston Texans (2002–2003) – Defensive Assistant
- Baltimore Ravens (2004–2007) – Offensive Assistant & QB Coach
- Denver Broncos (2008) – Wide Receivers Coach
- Minnesota Vikings (2009) – Quarterbacks Coach
- Seattle Seahawks (2010) – Quarterbacks Coach under Pete Carroll
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2013–2014) – Offensive Coordinator
Despite these big roles, Fisch wasn’t quite a household name. Still, he was gaining a reputation as a smart offensive mind with an ability to connect with players.
Shifting to the College Game
After years in the NFL, Fisch made a key career move — shifting into college football.
Miami Hurricanes (2011–2012)
Fisch served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Al Golden. While at Miami, he helped build a strong offensive unit and developed quarterback Stephen Morris into an NFL prospect.
Michigan Wolverines (2015–2016)
Fisch was hired by Jim Harbaugh as Michigan’s passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, eventually adding wide receivers coach to his title. He played a key role in building an explosive offense and mentoring future NFL QB Jake Rudock.
UCLA Bruins (2017)
Fisch became offensive coordinator under Jim Mora and later served as interim head coach after Mora was fired. Though his time at UCLA was short, it gave him valuable experience leading a program.
Georgia Bulldogs (2018)
He returned to the college game again as an offensive analyst at the University of Georgia under Kirby Smart. This role, though not high-profile, kept him close to a powerhouse program.
Return to the NFL: The Patriots Connection
In 2020, Fisch joined Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots as the quarterbacks coach. Working with a coach like Belichick sharpened Fisch’s strategic mind and attention to detail.
Even though the Patriots were in a rebuilding phase post-Tom Brady, Fisch helped develop younger quarterbacks and contributed to the team’s overall offensive planning.
Becoming a Head Coach: Arizona Wildcats
In late 2020, Fisch finally got the big call — he was hired as the head coach of the University of Arizona football team.
The program was struggling. Arizona had a 12-game losing streak and lacked direction. Fisch was seen as a risky hire because he hadn’t been a full-time college head coach before.
But Fisch quickly got to work:
- Rebuilding the culture
- Creating strong recruiting pipelines
- Hiring talented assistants
- Winning back fans
By 2022, Arizona showed major signs of improvement. In 2023, they became one of the most exciting teams in the Pac-12, shocking fans and experts alike.
Fisch’s Coaching Style and Strengths
Jedd Fisch is known for his:
- Player-first mentality
- Quarterback development
- Offensive creativity
- Strong communication skills
He builds relationships with players and staff, blending NFL-level detail with the energy needed in college football. Players enjoy playing for him, and his offenses often produce big numbers.
Recent Career Move: Washington Huskies
In January 2024, after leading Arizona to a strong season, Fisch made another bold move — becoming the head coach of the University of Washington Huskies.
Washington had just lost Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, and they needed a proven leader. Fisch stepped in and brought much of his Arizona staff with him.
He was welcomed with excitement, as Huskies fans hoped he could continue the momentum and build a national contender in the Big Ten.
Jedd Fisch Coaching Career: Key Takeaways
- Unusual path: Fisch never played college football but climbed the coaching ladder through persistence and talent.
- NFL & college mix: He brings both pro-level strategies and college-level passion.
- Quarterback whisperer: Fisch has a strong track record of improving quarterbacks, from the NFL to college.
- Culture builder: He helped turn around Arizona and is now aiming to do the same at Washington.
What’s Next for Jedd Fisch?
At just 48 years old, Jedd Fisch’s coaching career seems far from over. Many believe he could one day return to the NFL as a head coach or become one of the top college football minds in the country.
If he succeeds at Washington, expect his name to come up in major coaching searches — both college and pro.
Final Thoughts
Jedd Fisch’s coaching journey is a reminder that there’s no single path to success. With no college playing background, he proved that hard work, learning from the best, and taking chances can lead to the top.
From NFL locker rooms to college stadiums, Fisch has shown he belongs. As fans, all eyes will now be on how he performs with the Washington Huskies and beyond.
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