Relationships between QBs, coaches not always fun

Not all coach-quarterback relationships end like Bill Walsh and Joe Montana, with both men locking arms
and rolling through the NFL together for a decade. There have been plenty of dust-ups and a few full-fledged
coach-quarterback feuds through the years.

Dan Reeves and John Elway, Denver Broncos

In one of the most famous NFL feuds of all time, Elway bristled under Reeves’ constrictive offensive style until Reeves was fired. Elway did invite Reeves to his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers

Noll rode Bradshaw hard early in his career. Bradshaw developed into a four-time Super Bowl winner with Noll, but the relationship between the two is still reportedly chilly.

Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers

Early in Starr’s career, Lombardi berated Starr in team meetings. When Starr told Lombardi he couldn’t lead the team if he was being undermined, Lombardi backed off, and both won five NFL titles in the 1960s.

Mike Nolan and Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Smith had a shoulder injury two years ago, and felt Nolan was questioning his toughness to the rest of the team. Nolan was fired last year, and is now defensive coordinator with the Broncos.

June Jones and Jeff George, Atlanta Falcons

George and Jones had a screaming match on the sideline in a 1996 game. That led to a suspension for George and a trade to Oakland in 1997.

Jimmy Johnson and Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins

When these two big egos got together, it resulted in an uneasy relationship. Johnson tried changing Marino’s style, and he resisted. Both were out of the NFL after 1999.

Sam Wyche and Trent Dilfer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Many losing teams have strained coach-quarterback relationships, but few were this messy. In 1995, Wyche repeatedly benched Dilfer, who would then criticize Wyche. Wyche was fired after the season.

Walt Michaels and Matt Robinson, New York Jets

In 1979, Robinson hid an injury from Michaels all week before the season opener. After losing the game, Robinson was benched, never threw another pass for the Jets and was shipped to Denver.