Mike Tice is a former NFL player and coach, best known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, both as an offensive lineman and as a head coach. He is remembered for his role in shaping the Vikings’ offense during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and for his leadership of the team in the early 2000s.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Michael John Tice
Born: February 2, 1961
Hometown: Somerville, New Jersey

High School:

• Tice attended Somerville High School in Somerville, New Jersey, where he was a standout football player.
• He played as both an offensive and defensive lineman during his high school career.

College:

• Mike Tice played college football at the University of Maryland, where he was an offensive lineman.
• Tice was a key part of the Terrapins’ offensive line and earned recognition for his performance, eventually being drafted into the NFL.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Tice was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round of the 1981 NFL Draft (41st overall pick).
• He played as an offensive tackle during his playing career.

Playing Career (1981–1989)

• Seattle Seahawks (1981–1988):
  • Tice spent the majority of his playing career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was known for his toughness and consistency on the offensive line.
  • He started at tackle for much of his time in Seattle, blocking for the team’s quarterbacks and running backs.
• Minnesota Vikings (1989):
  • In 1989, Tice was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for the final year of his playing career.
  • Though he spent just one season with the Vikings, he was able to finish his playing career on a solid note.
• Retirement:
  • Tice retired from playing professional football after the 1989 season. His total career spanned nine years in the NFL, during which he established himself as a reliable and skilled offensive lineman.

Coaching Career

Minnesota Vikings (1992–2001)

• Assistant Coach:
  • After retiring from playing, Tice transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • He worked as an assistant coach for the Vikings from 1992 to 2000, focusing on the offensive line and later becoming the team’s offensive coordinator.
  • During his time as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, the team became known for its high-powered offense, particularly during the 1998 season, when they set a then-NFL record for points scored in a season.

Minnesota Vikings Head Coach (2002–2005)

• Head Coach:
  • In 2002, Tice was promoted to head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, taking over from Dennis Green.
  • Tice’s tenure as head coach lasted until 2005, during which he led the Vikings to a playoff appearance in 2004.
  • Under Tice, the Vikings were known for their offensive explosiveness, particularly with standout players like Daunte Culpepper, Randy Moss, and Michael Bennett.
  • Despite a successful offense, the team struggled with consistency and discipline, and Tice’s tenure as head coach was marked by frustration over underachieving performances.
• Notable Achievements:
  • Tice helped guide the Vikings to a 2004 NFC Wild Card playoff appearance, but the team ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers.
  • While his teams were competitive offensively, they were often criticized for their lack of a balanced attack and defensive struggles.

Post-Vikings Coaching (2006–2015)

• After leaving the Vikings, Tice had stints as a coach with several other NFL teams:
  • Chicago Bears (2006–2009):
    • Tice served as the offensive line coach for the Bears, helping improve the performance of their offensive line.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (2012–2014):
    • Tice was the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2012–2014 seasons.
    • He was known for his work with the Jaguars’ offense, though his time there was marked by a rebuilding period for the team.
  • Atlanta Falcons (2015):
    • In 2015, Tice briefly worked as a tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons, assisting with the development of their tight ends.

Coaching Style and Legacy

• Offensive Philosophy:
  • Tice was known for emphasizing a physical, run-first approach to offense, especially in the early part of his coaching career.
  • As an offensive lineman, he had a strong understanding of the importance of the trenches and placed significant focus on the development of his offensive line.
• Legacy with the Vikings:
  • Tice remains a beloved figure in Vikings history for his time as both a player and coach. His years as a coach, while not achieving significant postseason success, were memorable for the high-powered offense he helped create.
  • His contributions to the Vikings’ history, both as a player and coach, are remembered fondly by fans.

Summary

• Position: Offensive Tackle (Player), Offensive Line Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Head Coach (Coach)
• NFL Teams: Seattle Seahawks (1981–1988), Minnesota Vikings (1989), Minnesota Vikings (Assistant Coach 1992–2001, Head Coach 2002–2005), Chicago Bears (2006–2009), Jacksonville Jaguars (2012–2014), Atlanta Falcons (2015)
• Career Length (Playing): 9 seasons
• Career Length (Coaching): Over 20 years
• Notable: Known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings as a player and head coach, and for his coaching work with the offensive line and high-powered offenses.

Mike Tice is remembered for his strong impact on the Minnesota Vikings, both as a player on the offensive line and as the head coach who led them through the early 2000s. His coaching career continued to involve his expertise in offensive line play, and his legacy in the NFL remains notable for his contributions to both the Vikings and other teams’ offensive lines.