Jeff Fisher was born on February 25, 1958, in Culver City, California. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he attended William Howard Taft Charter High School. Fisher began his football career there, playing as a wide receiver and showing early potential on the field.

College Football Career

Fisher attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played for the Trojans primarily on special teams and defense. During his three seasons at USC, he shared the field with notable teammates, including defensive standout Joey Browner. In 1978, he was a part of the USC team that won the national championship.

Time with the Chicago Bears

Jeff Fisher was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year playing career, he participated in nearly 50 games, serving as both a defensive back and a return specialist. Unfortunately, his playing years were marred by injuries. In 1983, he suffered a broken leg after a tackle from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Cowher. A more severe ankle injury in 1985 ultimately ended his playing career. Despite being on injured reserve that season, Fisher earned a Super Bowl ring when the Bears triumphed over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

Transition into Coaching

Fisher began his coaching career while rehabilitating from his injuries. He started as an assistant to then-defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. When Ryan became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, he brought Fisher along as a defensive backs coach. Fisher quickly rose through the ranks and, two years later, became the youngest defensive coordinator in the NFL at the time.

Early Coaching Roles

In 1991, Fisher was named defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, reuniting with his former college coach John Robinson. The following year, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive backs coach, a role he held until 1993. In 1994, he returned to the role of defensive coordinator, this time for the Houston Oilers. After head coach Jack Pardee was dismissed mid-season, Fisher was promoted and coached the final six games of the 1994 season. The next year, he led the team to a 7–9 record in his first full season as head coach.