Sam Wyche was an American football player and coach who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He played quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, and Detroit Lions during his playing career. After retiring as a player, Wyche became a coach and led the Bengals to their second Super Bowl appearance in 1989.
Wyche was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1945 and attended Furman University, where he played football and baseball. He was drafted by the Bengals in the eighth round of the 1968 NFL Draft and played for the team for four seasons. Wyche then played for the Redskins and Lions before retiring as a player in 1976.
After his playing career, Wyche became an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and later the Buffalo Bills. In 1984, he was hired as the head coach of the Bengals. In his first season as head coach, Wyche led the team to a 8-8 record, which was a significant improvement from their 2-14 record the previous year.
Wyche's most successful season as head coach came in 1988, when the Bengals finished with a 12-4 record and advanced to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Wyche's innovative offensive system, which featured the "no-huddle" offense, helped the Bengals become one of the most potent offenses in the league.
Wyche continued to coach the Bengals until 1991, when he was fired after a 3-13 season. He then became the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he coached for four seasons. Wyche's tenure with the Buccaneers was marked by controversy, as he clashed with team management and was criticized for his handling of quarterback Trent Dilfer.
After leaving the Buccaneers, Wyche worked as a television analyst for CBS and NBC. He also served as the head coach of the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League in 2003.
Throughout his career, Wyche was known for his innovative offensive strategies and his ability to develop young quarterbacks. He was also known for his colorful personality and his willingness to take risks on the field.
Wyche passed away on January 2, 2020, at the age of 74. He was remembered by his former players and colleagues as a passionate and dedicated coach who had a significant impact on the game of football.
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