Rick Neuheisel Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Rick Neuheisel

Richard “Rick” Gerald Neuheisel Jr. is a prominent figure in American football, known for his multifaceted career as a player, coach, and television analyst. His journey in the sport has seen him achieve success at both the collegiate and professional levels. Neuheisel’s legacy is defined by his leadership on the field as a quarterback for UCLA, his notable coaching tenures at universities like Colorado, Washington, and UCLA, and his insightful commentary as a sports analyst for major networks. His charismatic personality and deep understanding of the game have made him a respected voice in the football community, while his career has also been marked by moments of controversy and resilience.

Rick Neuheisel Overview

Early Life and Education of Rick Neuheisel

Rick Neuheisel was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and later moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he attended McClintock High School. He was a standout multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, and was named the school’s most outstanding athlete in his senior year. After graduating in 1979, Neuheisel enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He joined the football team as a walk-on and eventually became the starting quarterback. Neuheisel was an excellent student, earning a spot on the Pac-10 All-Academic team and graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a 3.4 GPA. He was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Later in his career, while working as a graduate assistant at UCLA, he attended the USC Law School on an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1990.

Rick Neuheisel’s Career

Rick Neuheisel’s career in football is a dynamic and extensive journey that has spanned playing, coaching, and broadcasting. After a successful collegiate playing career at UCLA, where he was the MVP of the 1984 Rose Bowl, Neuheisel had a brief professional playing career. He played for the San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football League (USFL) for two seasons (1984-1985). In 1987, he had stints in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Neuheisel’s coaching career began at his alma mater, UCLA, as a graduate assistant while he was attending law school. He became a full-time assistant coach in 1988, serving as the quarterbacks coach and later the wide receivers coach until 1993. In 1994, he became the offensive coordinator for the University of Colorado. The following year, at the age of 34, he was named the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. He led the team to a 33-14 record over four seasons and three bowl game victories.

In 1999, Neuheisel became the head coach at the University of Washington. His tenure there was highlighted by a Pac-10 championship and a Rose Bowl victory in the 2000 season. He compiled a 33-16 record with the Huskies. Following his time at Washington, Neuheisel transitioned to the NFL as an assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2005 to 2007, serving as the quarterbacks coach and later the offensive coordinator.

He returned to the collegiate ranks in 2008 as the head coach of UCLA, a position he held until 2011. His time as the Bruins’ head coach was met with mixed results, leading to a 21-29 record. In 2019, Neuheisel took on the head coaching role for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), leading the team to a 5-3 record before the league ceased operations.

After his coaching career, Rick Neuheisel successfully transitioned into broadcasting. He has served as a college football analyst for the Pac-12 Network and CBS Sports, where he is known for his insightful commentary and engaging on-air presence. He is currently a studio analyst for CBS Sports’ “College Football Today” and “Inside College Football” on CBS Sports Network. He also hosts a show on SiriusXM’s college sports radio.

Rick Neuheisel Personal Life & Family

Rick Neuheisel is married to Susan (née Wilkinson), who is also a UCLA graduate. The couple has three sons: Jerry, Jack, and Joe. All three of their sons have pursued athletic endeavors. Jerry played quarterback at UCLA and is now the interim offensive coordinator for the Bruins. Jack was a wide receiver at Southern Methodist University. Joe played golf for UCLA and won the 98th Arizona Amateur Championship in 2022. Rick’s father, Richard “Dick” Gerald Neuheisel Sr., is an attorney and a past president of Sister Cities International. His sister, Nancy, was a cheerleader for the University of Arizona, a conference rival of UCLA, during his playing days. The Neuheisel family has a strong connection to the world of sports, and their lives have often revolved around the football calendar.

Awards and Achievements of Rick Neuheisel

• 1984 Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player
• Inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1998
• Pac-10 Conference Champion as a player (UCLA, 1983)
• Pac-10 Conference Champion as a coach (Washington, 2000)
• Pac-12 South Division Champion as a coach (UCLA, 2011)
• Named to the Pac-10 All-Academic team as a player

Rick Neuheisel Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Rick Neuheisel’s estimated net worth is approximately $8 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his long and varied career in football. His income sources have included coaching contracts at major universities and in the NFL, which have reportedly earned him over $10 million, including buyouts. For instance, his contract at UCLA in 2011 was reported to be $1.285 million for the year. His salary at the University of Washington was around $1 million annually. He has also earned a significant settlement of $4.5 million following his dismissal from Washington. In addition to his coaching salaries, Neuheisel has earned income from endorsement deals, estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. His current role as a prominent college football analyst for CBS Sports also contributes significantly to his income, though the specifics of that contract are not publicly disclosed.

Legacy and Influence

Rick Neuheisel’s legacy in football is that of a charismatic and intelligent, albeit sometimes controversial, figure. As a player, he is remembered for his leadership and his MVP performance in the 1984 Rose Bowl, which remains a celebrated moment in UCLA history. As a coach, he was known for his offensive acumen and his ability to build competitive programs. His 2000 University of Washington team, which won the Rose Bowl, is considered one of the best in the school’s history. However, his coaching career was also marked by NCAA infractions and a “win at all costs” reputation that sometimes overshadowed his on-field success. In his post-coaching career, Neuheisel has carved out a successful niche as a media personality. His quick wit and deep knowledge of the game have made him a popular and respected analyst. He has influenced many players and coaches throughout his career, including former players who have gone on to have their own successful careers in football.

Interesting Facts about Rick Neuheisel

• He holds the UCLA single-season record for completion percentage, completing 69.3% of his passes in 1983.
• He set an NCAA single-game completion percentage record (since broken) by completing 25 of 27 passes against Washington in 1983.
• Neuheisel is the first former Rose Bowl MVP to coach a winning Rose Bowl team.
• While a graduate assistant at UCLA, he tutored future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman.
• He is an attorney, having earned a law degree from USC in 1990.
• As an analyst, he is known for occasionally playing the guitar and singing his own songs on air.

Controversies

Rick Neuheisel’s career has not been without controversy. While at the University of Washington, he was fired in 2003 for his participation in a high-stakes NCAA basketball tournament betting pool and for initially being dishonest with NCAA investigators about his involvement. This led to a legal battle with the university and the NCAA, which ultimately resulted in a $4.5 million settlement in Neuheisel’s favor. He also faced scrutiny for potential recruiting violations at both Colorado and Washington. In 2003, he secretly interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers head coaching position while still the coach at Washington, and initially denied it, which further fueled his reputation for being “Slick Rick.”

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not publicly available
• Twitter – Information not publicly available
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Rick Neuheisel

Rick Neuheisel remains an active and influential figure in the world of college football. Though his coaching days may be behind him, his transition into a media role has allowed him to stay connected to the sport he is so passionate about. His current work as an analyst for CBS Sports provides him with a platform to share his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on the game. His legacy is a complex one, filled with moments of great triumph and notable controversy. He will be remembered as a talented quarterback, a successful but contentious coach, and a charismatic and insightful broadcaster. His journey through the highs and lows of a life in football has given him a unique and compelling story that continues to resonate with fans of the sport.