After retiring as a player, Wannstedt began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the University of Southern California (USC) in 1979. He then moved on to become the defensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes, where he helped lead the team to a national championship in 1987. Wannstedt then returned to the NFL as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, where he helped lead the team to three Super Bowl championships in four years.
In 1993, Wannstedt was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He led the team to a playoff appearance in his first season, but struggled to maintain success in the following years. After six seasons with the Bears, Wannstedt was fired in 1998.
Wannstedt then spent one season as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins before being promoted to head coach in 2000. He led the Dolphins to a playoff appearance in his first season as head coach, but the team struggled in the following years and Wannstedt resigned in 2004.
Overall, Wannstedt had a successful career as a coach in the NFL, with a record of 82-87 as a head coach. He was known for his defensive expertise and his ability to develop young players. Wannstedt also had a successful career as a player, winning a Super Bowl championship and playing for two different teams in the NFL.
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