Scott Linehan

Linehan was born and raised in Sunnyside, Washington, about three hours southeast of Seattle, in the lower Yakima Valley of eastern Washington. He was a three-year starter at quarterback at Sunnyside High School, where his father was principal. Linehan graduated from high school in 1982 and accepted a scholarship to play college football at the University of Idaho in Moscow, about {{convert|200|mi|km|spell=in}} to the east. He was a member of Dennis Erickson's first recruiting class as a collegiate head coach.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8bxeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DDEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5297,4425586&dq=linehan&hl=en|title=Idaho signs quarterback, linemen|date=February 11, 1982|page=1B|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho}} Linehan's brothers, Ron and Rick, had played at Idaho in the 1970s, and were team leaders on defense.{{cite news|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2005/sep/28/former-idaho-linebacker-linehan-dies-at-55/|newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokesman-Review)|title=Former Idaho linebacker Linehan dies at 55|date=September 28, 2005}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W81eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6323%2C5869688 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Vandals snag honors |date=October 17, 1978 |page=1B}}

Linehan was a quarterback for the Vandals under head coaches Erickson (1982–85) and Keith Gilbertson.[http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=480963 Lions Name Scott Linehan as Offensive Coordinator], Detroit Lions press release, January 23, 2009 (retrieved January 23, 2009) He backed-up junior All-American Ken Hobart as a true freshman in 1982, then redshirted in 1983.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J3UzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ce8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5154%2C126108 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Stalwick |first=Howie |title=Linehan's earned passing marks |date=November 16, 1984 |page=27}} Linehan became the starter in 1984 as a redshirt sophomore, but broke his clavicle early in the second game and missed most of that game and two additional starts.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Yw5XAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Be8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5216,1798463|work=Spokesman-Review|location=(Spokane, Washington)|page=16 |date=September 17, 1984 |title=Linehan sidelined}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W4RfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3jAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4007%2C1862504|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title=Time runs out on Idaho comeback as Reno hangs on, 23-17|last=Barrows|first=Bob|date=October 7, 1984|page=1C}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1VlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=G-8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3012,2431305|work=Spokesman-Review|title=Want trouble? Linehan will pass |last=Boling|first=Dave |date=September 19, 1985|page=C1 }} Following two successful seasons behind Hobart, the Vandals struggled to a {{nowrap|2–5}} record in 1984, then won four straight to finish {{nowrap|6–5}} and third in the Big Sky. It concluded with a {{nowrap|37–0}} shutout at Bronco Stadium for a third consecutive win over rival Boise State,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IItfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7C4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4513%2C800407|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title=Everything goes Idaho's way, including Gem trophy|last=Barrows|first=Bob|date=November 18, 1984|page=1C}}{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1985/60|publisher=Gem of the Mountains, University of Idaho yearbook|title=Football (fall 1984)|year=1985|page=56}} a streak that extended to twelve straight in 1993.

Linehan led the Vandals to a 5–1 record as a starter in 1985, then a stress fracture in his right foot required surgery and sidelined him for {{nowrap|the season.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VFlWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MO8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5344,1963904|newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Broken bone in right foot may sideline Linehan for Saturday's game with UM |date=October 18, 1985 |page=28}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fGtfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6i4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4704%2C810612 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Foot injury forces UI's Linehan to sideline |date=October 18, 1985 |page=3C}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PccSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ufkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2126,1190516|newspaper=Spokane Chronicle|location=(Washington)|title=Vandal Linehan has surgery|date=October 22, 1985|page=B4}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mbUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=z_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3252%2C118589 |work=Spokane Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Linehan will watch UI spring game |date=May 1, 1986 |page=C1}}}} Idaho won the Big Sky title and had consecutive Division I-AA playoff appearances in 1985 and 1986.{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1986/134|publisher=Gem of the Mountains, University of Idaho yearbook|title=Football (fall 1985)|year=1986|page=130}}{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1987/190|publisher=Gem of the Mountains, University of Idaho yearbook|title=Football (fall 1986)|year=1987|page=186}} Finally healthy for a full season as a fifth-year senior in 1986,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yoNfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vzAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3646%2C855450 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Bunch |first=Jeff |title=The setbacks are behind Vandals' Linehan |date=September 19, 1986 |page=1C }} Idaho went 8–3 in the regular season and he threw for 2,954 yards, ending his college career with over 7,000 yards.

Tom Cable and Mark Schlereth both blocked for Linehan during his college career at Idaho. Linehan credits Erickson as the "biggest influence" on his attack-style offensive philosophies.[http://www.stlouisrams.com/article/52955/ Transcript of introductory press conference as Ram's head coach] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929091822/http://www.stlouisrams.com/article/52955/ |date=September 29, 2007 }}, St. Louis Rams, January 19, 2006 (accessed online January 26, 2008)

Not selected in the 1987 NFL draft, Linehan signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys on May 6, 1987.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T1pWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hu8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6551%2C1978463 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Boling |first=Dave |title=Ex-Idaho pair gives the NFL their best shot|date=July 5, 1987 |page=D6}} A shoulder injury quickly ended his playing career, when he was cut at the start of his rookie training camp.

Linehan began his coaching career as a volunteer coach at Sunset High School in Portland in 1987. At this time, he also was helping a friend with his business, selling class rings for Jostens.{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20061011/hawk11/linehan-continues-legacy-in-st-louis |title=Linehan continues legacy in St. Louis |work=The Seattle Times |last=O'Neil|first=Danny|date=October 11, 2006|access-date=April 29, 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GrwjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rNAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3677%2C969099|newspaper=Moscow-Pullman Daily News|location=Idaho-Washington|title=Back in the fold |last=Jacobson|first=Bryan|date=August 22, 1992|page=1D}}

Linehan's college coaching career began in 1989 at his alma mater, the University of Idaho, as wide receivers coach under first-year head coach John L. Smith. After two seasons at Idaho, Linehan coached a year at UNLV, and returned for two more seasons at Idaho as offensive coordinator.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C6hfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bTIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3267%2C409194 |newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=Idaho|agency=Associated Press |title=UI loses football coach |date=March 2, 1994 |page=2D}} Linehan then spent five years at Washington in Seattle under Jim Lambright and three at Louisville under John L. Smith.

On February 10, 2020, LSU hired Linehan as passing game coordinator. Following the 2020 season, Linehan was let go by LSU.{{cite news |last1=Kubena |first1=Brooks |title=LSU expected to part ways with passing game coordinator Scott Linehan: sources |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_69512fc6-43ba-11eb-8b56-0394b0887dd4.html |access-date=December 22, 2020 |work=theadvocate.edu |publisher=The Advocate |date=December 21, 2020}}

In May 2021, the University of Missouri announced that Linehan had official joined the Tigers' staff as offensive analyst.{{Cite web|last=Matter|first=Dave|title=Mizzou officially adds Scott Linehan as offensive analyst|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-officially-adds-scott-linehan-as-offensive-analyst/article_117f920b-ad81-55e9-aad7-1e191d2cc273.html|access-date=May 14, 2021|website=STLtoday.com|language=en}}

In 2024, Linehan was hired as an offensive analyst for Montana.{{Cite web |last=Brice |first=John |date=2024-03-26 |title=FCS power Montana adds former NFL head coach Scott Linehan to staff |url=https://footballscoop.com/news/fcs-power-montana-adds-former-nfl-head-coach-scott-linehan-to-staff |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Footballscoop}}

Linehan took his first NFL job as the offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach with the Minnesota Vikings in 2002. After three seasons in Minneapolis, Linehan served in a similar capacity with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 under Nick Saban, then was hired as head coach by the St. Louis Rams on January 19, 2006.[http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coaches/52931/ Scott Linehan bio] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060122104523/http://www.stlouisrams.com/Team/Coaches/52931/ |date=January 22, 2006 }}, St. Louis Rams, (accessed online January 26, 2009)

Linehan inherited a team in transition. Most of the Rams' stars from earlier in the decade had gone elsewhere, and the remaining players from "The Greatest Show on Turf" era had noticeably lost a step. Nonetheless, Linehan's tenure started out on a promising note, as the Rams went 4–2 in their first six games. However, a four-game losing streak in October and November effectively ended any chance of making the playoffs. Despite this slump, the NFC West was so weak that year that they finished 8–8, missing the division title by a single game. However, the Rams regressed to 3–13 in his second season. Years of questionable draft and free-agent acquisitions caught up with the team, and the season degenerated into a fiasco due to a rash of injuries to the offensive line. The season was also marked by disputes with star players such as Steven Jackson, Torry Holt, and, most notoriously, quarterback Marc Bulger. Holt and Jackson openly feuded with Linehan on the sidelines during games. The easygoing Linehan didn't discipline them, leading to criticism that he wasn't willing to assert his authority.

The bottom fell out in 2008. After an 0–3 start in which the Rams were outscored 116–29, a significant departure from the days of "The Greatest Show on Turf", Linehan benched Bulger in favor of Trent Green for their game against the Buffalo Bills. The move did not work; the Rams lost 35–14 after allowing 25 unanswered points in the second half. Linehan was fired hours later, tallying an 11–25 record in his 36 games as head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3615358|title=Rams fire Linehan; D-coordinator Haslett tapped as interim coach|website=ESPN.com|date=2008-09-29|access-date=2024-10-20}}

On January 9, 2009, Linehan interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers as a candidate for the open offensive coordinator position.

Linehan was announced as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions on January 23, 2009, by new head coach Jim Schwartz. On December 30, 2013, head coach Jim Schwartz was fired, and all of Schwartz' assistants were fired as well, including Linehan.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10215190/jim-schwartz-fired-detroit-lions-head-coach&lang=en|title=Lions fire coach Jim Schwartz|website=ESPN|access-date=2024-07-07}}

On January 27, 2014, the Dallas Cowboys hired Linehan as offensive play caller and was later given the title of passing game coordinator.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dallas-cowboys-hire-scott-linehan-as-play-caller-0ap2000000318629|title=Dallas Cowboys hire Scott Linehan as play-caller|website=NFL.com}} Incumbent offensive coordinator and play caller Bill Callahan remained on the staff, but relinquished play calling duties and was given the new title of running game coordinator. Linehan served as the de facto offensive coordinator by leading offensive meetings and calling plays during games.{{Cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/21/scott-linehan-takes-firm-control-of-the-cowboys-offense/|title = Scott Linehan takes firm control of the Cowboys' offense|date = June 21, 2014}} He was formally promoted to offensive coordinator upon Callahan's departure at the end of the season. Linehan had previously worked with Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett when they served as assistants on the staff of Nick Saban's Miami Dolphins in 2005. On January 18, 2019, Linehan was fired by the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/cowboys-oc-scott-linehan-part-ways|title=Cowboys, OC Scott Linehan Part Ways}}

On March 3, 2025, the New Orleans Saints hired Linehan on to their coaching staff.https://www.louisianasports.net/report-saints-add-former-head-coach-scott-linehan-to-staff/

Linehan is the youngest of seven children of William and Margaret Linehan; he has three brothers and three sisters. His father, Bill (1921–98), was born in Plummer, Idaho, and was the high school principal in Sunnyside, after serving in World War II with the U.S. Army in the Pacific. Both parents and a sister attended the University of Idaho, as did brothers, Ron and Rick, who also played football at Idaho. {{nowrap|Ron (1950–2005)}} was a three-time All-Big Sky linebacker {{nowrap|(1969–71)}} and was selected in the 1972 NFL draft; he was a high school coach in the Portland area until his death at age 55.{{Cite web |last=Beseda |first=Jim |date=September 25, 2006 |title=A rough night for the Linehans |url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindbeaversbeat/2006/09/a_rough_night_for_the_linehans.html#repete |access-date=April 29, 2012 |website=OregonLive.com}} Rick had ten career interceptions as a Vandal defensive back (1976–78).

Linehan and his wife have three sons:, Matthew who is the wide receivers coach for the University of Idaho, Michael, who is the defensive line coach for the University of Montana, and Marcus, who was 5’10”.{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Brandon |title=George: Why Sunday's game will be unique experience for Cowboys' Scott Linehan and Lions QB Matthew Stafford |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboysheadlines/2015/01/01/george-why-sunday-s-game-will-be-unique-experience-for-cowboys-scott-linehan-and-lions-qb-matthew-stafford |website=247sports.com |date=January 2, 2015 |access-date=November 11, 2018}}

Linehan's wife, Kristen (née Browitt), is the sister-in-law of actor Jim Caviezel; she and Caviezel's wife, Kerri, are sisters.{{cite web|title=About Scott Linehan|url=http://bigredupdates.hivefire.com/topic/profile/scott-linehan/|access-date=October 21, 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kvnews/obituary.aspx?n=david-james-browitt&pid=164597189&fhid=12021 |work=Ellensburg Daily Record |location=(Washington) |agency=(obituary) |title=David James Browitt: 1938-2013 |date=May 3, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2019}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Biography}}

• [https://gogriz.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/scott-linehan/685 Montana profile]
• [https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/coach/scott-linehan/ LSU Tigers bio]

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