Childhood & Early Life
Brian Harold Billick was born to 28 February 1954 in Fairborn, Ohio, USA. His father was a retired Air Force test pilot.
He went to Redland High School in Redland, California and played both basketball and football, though it was latter that he was passionate about. He was also an enthusiastic athlete.
In football, he played both quarterback and cornerback and has to his credit 21 career interceptions, a state record.
He joined United States Air Force Academy, but left soon once he realized that he could never become a fighter pilot because of his height (he is 6 feet 5 inches).
After leaving United States Air Force Academy, he joined Brigham Young University and became a tight end player.
In 1977 NFL Draft, Billick was picked by the San Francisco 49ers but was later released. The same year, he was released by the Dallas Cowboys too.
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Career
In 1977, Brian Billick participated in a television panel game show, ‘Match Game PM’ but suffered a defeat from Marla Marshall.
Back in Redland, California, he started his coaching career by becoming a volunteer wide receivers coach for the University of Redlands football team (NAIA). He worked under Frank Serrao. Simultaneously, he also began working as an assistant coach at Redland High School.
In 1978, he briefly became graduate assistant at Brigham Young University. He worked there for a single season.
For a couple of years, between 1979 and 1980, he left coaching and worked as the assistant director, Public Relations of San Francisco 49ers.
He assumed the position of tight ends coach at the San Diego State University and also served as their recruiting coordinator from 1981 to 1985.
In 1986, he was recruited by Utah State University as offensive coordinator. His work here, for three seasons, greatly helped to improve the team.
In 1989, Dennis Green chose him to be the assistant head coach and tight ends coach of Stanford University team. He served in both capacities till 1991.
Under head coach Dennis Green again, he became assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings. During this time (1992-1998), the team set numerous offensive records and also registered the highest points in a season. Back then, the points (556) were a NFL record for maximum points in a season (1998); however, later, new records were set by other teams.
In 1999, Brian Billick became the head coach of Baltimore Ravens. During his tenure for nine seasons, he was extremely successful and had an 85-67 record including 5-3 in the play off.
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He guided the team to its first ever non losing record (8-8) in the first season itself.
The second season, in the year 2000, saw another high point in the Ravens’ history when they bagged their first ‘Super Bowl XXXV Championship’ defeating New York Giants 34-7.
The later seasons were marked by both highs and lows. Baltimore Ravens performed well in the regular seasons of 2001, 2003 and 2006. While the performance of the Ravens (10-6) in 2003 earned them their first divisional title, in 2006, it additionally got them the best record of the franchise (13-3) and the first playoff bye in the history of the team. However, in all three years, they were defeated in post season tournament by their opponents (Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts).
In 2007, owing to a lack lustre performance, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti relieved Billick off his responsibilities. Billick, however, was not bitter about his firing and suggested the name of John Harbaugh as his replacement. Harbaugh, eventually, succeeded him in the role as head coach of Baltimore Ravens and the two men have shared a close friendship since then.
After his coaching career came to an end, Billick chose to work as a draft analyst for NFL Network during the 2008 NFL Draft.
He followed this up by taking up the job of game analyst for the ‘NFL on Fox’. He appeared during the 2008 and 2009 NFL season and in both seasons, he was accompanied by the sports caster, Thom Brennaman. Brian Billick quit working for Fox Sports after 2013.
He further appeared in ‘The Coaches Show’, ‘Playbook’ and ESPN’s talk show ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’. He appeared several times in the last show to speak about football matches and the latest happenings in the sport.&In the NFL Network’s show ‘NFL Total Access’ and ‘NFL Now’, Billick serves as an analyst.
Achievements
Brian Billick coached numerous football teams, but he worked as a head coach for only one of them – Baltimore Ravens. He was the second coach of Ravens and spent nine seasons with the team. He brought about a change in the culture of the team which did not have a winning season before Billick stepped in as a head coach. He led the team to three division championship wins and four playoffs.
His best achievement for the team, though, was its first Super Bowl victory in 2000. His work with the team has earned him a place in the Ravens ‘Ring of Honor’. Also, six of the assistant coaches who worked under him went on to become NFL head coaches of five different franchises.
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Other Works
Apart from coaching and broadcasting, he has also worked as an author and public speaker.
As an author, he published three books. The first of these, ‘Finding the Winning Edge’ was co-written by him, Bill Walsh and James Peterson and released in 1997.
His second book, ‘Competitive Leadership: Twelve Principles for Success’ was written in collaboration with Dr. James A. Peterson and came out in 2001.
His latest book, ‘More Than a Game: the Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL’ was written in association with Michael MacCambridge and came out in 2012.
Billick has also worked for the betterment of the Baltimore community. He has been associated with the ‘Central Maryland United Way’, ‘National Breast Cancer Foundation’, ‘American Lung Association’s Breath of Life Celebration’ and ‘Living Classroom Foundation’. He is on the board of trustee in the ‘Living Classroom Foundation’.
Facts About Brian Billick
Brian Billick is a published author, having written several books on football strategy and leadership.
In addition to his successful coaching career, Billick is known for his sense of humor and often incorporates it into his public appearances and commentary.
Billick has a passion for music and is a skilled guitarist, often playing for his own enjoyment in his free time.
Outside of football, Billick is actively involved in charitable work, supporting various causes and organizations.
Despite his tough exterior on the field, those who know him personally describe Billick as a caring and compassionate individual.
