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Ed McCaffrey
Ed McCaffrey
Ed McCaffrey
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Edward Thomas McCaffrey (born August 17, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Denver Broncos. He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, where he earned first-team All-America honors in 1990.

Key Information

Regarded as one of the best blocking wide receivers in NFL history, McCaffrey is a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXIX, XXXII, XXXIII), a second-team All-Pro selection in 1998, and a member of the Broncos' 50th anniversary team. He is the father of football players Max, Christian, Dylan, and Luke McCaffrey.

Early life and education

[edit]

McCaffrey was born on August 17, 1968, in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and attended Allentown Central Catholic High School in Allentown, where he played football in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and was a standout basketball player, leading the school to Pennsylvania state titles in 1984 and 1986.[1]

Collegiate football career

[edit]

McCaffrey attended Stanford University, where he played college football for the Cardinal. He finished his Stanford career as the school's fifth all-time leader in receptions (146) and third all-time leader in receiving yards (2,333). He earned first-team All-America and All-Pac-10 Conference honors as a senior in 1990, catching 61 passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns that season. McCaffrey was enshrined in Stanford's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.[2] At Stanford, he was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.[citation needed]

National Football League

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump
6 ft 5 in
(1.96 m)		 210 lb
(95 kg)		 34+1⁄2 in
(0.88 m)		 10+1⁄4 in
(0.26 m)		 4.69 s 1.64 s 2.73 s 4.15 s 37.0 in
(0.94 m)
All values from NFL Combine[3]
McCaffrey with the Denver Broncos in 1998

McCaffrey entered the 1991 NFL draft and was selected by the New York Giants in the third round (83rd overall).[4] During his thirteen-year career, he won three Super Bowl rings, Super Bowl XXIX with the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII with the Denver Broncos and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1998.

With the Denver Broncos, he became a reliable target for quarterback John Elway, set a Broncos record for most receptions in a season at the time with 101 receptions in the 2000 season, and had an exceptional performance in Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons, recording five catches for 72 yards. In 2000, McCaffrey and teammate Rod Smith became only the second wide receiver duo from the same team to each gain 100 receptions in the same season, matching a record by Herman Moore and Brett Perriman.

In the opening game of the Broncos' 2001 season, McCaffrey suffered a leg fracture in a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants.[5] He rebounded in the 2002 season for the Broncos, registering 69 receptions and 903 yards. Hampered by injuries during a disappointing 2003 season, McCaffrey retired on February 29, 2004. He finished his career with 565 career receptions for 7,422 yards along with 55 touchdowns.[6] During his tenure, he was known by the nicknames "Easy,"[7] “Eddie Mac,”[8] “White Lightning,”[9] and “The Bruise.”[10]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Regular season
Year Team GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1991 NYG 16 16 146 9.1 26 0
1992 NYG 16 49 610 12.4 44 5
1993 NYG 16 27 335 12.4 31 2
1994 SF 16 11 131 11.9 32 2
1995 DEN 16 39 477 12.2 35 2
1996 DEN 15 48 553 11.5 39 7
1997 DEN 15 45 590 13.1 35 8
1998 DEN 15 64 1,053 16.5 48 10
1999 DEN 15 71 1,018 14.3 78 7
2000 DEN 16 101 1,317 13.0 61 9
2001 DEN 1 6 94 15.7 28 1
2002 DEN 16 69 903 13.1 69 2
2003 DEN 12 19 195 10.3 23 0
Career 185 565 7,422 13.1 78 55
Postseason
Year Team GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FD
1993 NYG 2 5 59 11.8 14 0 2
1994 SF 3 1 5 5.0 5 0 0
1996 DEN 1 5 54 10.8 15 1 3
1997 DEN 4 12 171 14.3 43 1 7
1998 DEN 3 11 190 17.3 47 0 9
2000 DEN 1 8 75 9.4 16 0 5
Career 14 42 554 13.2 47 2 26

Coaching career

[edit]

Valor Christian High School

[edit]

McCaffrey was named the head football coach at Valor Christian High School in February 2018.[11]

Northern Colorado

[edit]

On December 12, 2019, the University of Northern Colorado hired McCaffrey as head football coach.[12] He was fired from the position on November 21, 2022.

Head coaching record

[edit]

College

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Northern Colorado Bears (Big Sky Conference) (2020–2022)
2020–21 No team—COVID-19
2021 Northern Colorado 3–8 2–6 10th
2022 Northern Colorado 3–8 2–6 T–8th
Northern Colorado: 6–16 4–12
Total: 6–16

High school

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Valor Christian Eagles () (2018–2019)
2018 Valor Christian 14–0 5–0 1st
2019 Valor Christian 10–2 5–0 1st
Valor Christian: 24–2 10–0
Total: 24–2
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Life after football

[edit]

McCaffrey began coaching youth football camps in the summer of 2000. In 2011, he founded SportsEddy, which includes not just football but lacrosse, soccer, baseball and basketball camps. The Ed McCaffrey "Dare to Play" football camp and the "Dare to Cheer" cheerleading camp for individuals with Down syndrome are produced in partnership with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. McCaffrey also founded the McCaffrey Family Foundation with wife Lisa, to assist children whose medical situation has created an academic or financial hardship.

He also has his own brand of mustard and horseradish sauce, which can be found in supermarkets across Colorado and into Nebraska. On July 30, 2012, McCaffrey was named the new color analyst for 850 KOA, flagship station of the Denver Broncos Radio Network, replacing Brian Griese. In 2019, it was announced he would serve as the commissioner of the planned Pacific Pro Football league.

Personal life

[edit]

McCaffrey is the oldest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters: Monica, who played college basketball at Georgetown University, Billy, who played college basketball at Duke University and Vanderbilt University, Michael, and Meghan.

McCaffrey met his wife, Lisa (Sime), daughter of Olympic sprinter Dave Sime, while they were both students at Stanford University. They have four sons together, all of whom have played football.

Their eldest, Max, was a wide receiver who played college football for the Duke Blue Devils. He was on the rosters of several different NFL teams from 2016 to 2018,[13] and serves as an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins.[14]

Christian McCaffrey was a four-star running back for the Valor Eagles between 2010 and 2014. During that time, he also played wide receiver, cornerback, and punter. He broke numerous Colorado state high school records, including career total touchdowns (141), career all purpose yards (8,845), career touchdown receptions (47), and single season all-purpose yards (3,032).[15] He was the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Colorado in both 2012 and 2013.[16] He also played basketball. He was a running back for the Stanford Cardinal in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and was the runner-up for the 2015 Heisman Trophy behind Alabama's Derrick Henry in the 2015 voting.[17] He left Stanford a year early after the 2016 season to enter the 2017 NFL draft, where he was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall selection in the first round. Christian was later traded to the San Francisco 49ers in the middle of the 2022 season.

Dylan McCaffrey was a four-star quarterback for Valor Christian who graduated in 2017. His team won the Colorado Class 5A state championship, the highest level of play, in three of the four years he played. As the second-ranked quarterback in the country and top-ranked quarterback in Colorado, Dylan received scholarship offers from Duke, Colorado, Rutgers, LSU, Michigan, Washington, UCLA, Colorado State, and Penn State.[18] He committed to play college football at Michigan in February 2016.[19] After graduating from Michigan in December 2020, he played one year at Northern Colorado and received his Master of Business Administration.[20]

McCaffrey's youngest son, Luke McCaffrey, graduated Valor Christian in May 2019. He received football scholarship offers from Michigan and Nebraska.[21] He committed to Nebraska in June 2018.[22] He transferred to Rice University in 2021 and became a wide receiver.[23] Luke was selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ed McCaffrey

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ed McCaffrey (born August 17, 1968) is a former who played professionally in the (NFL) for 13 seasons, earning three Super Bowl championships and recognition as a reliable possession receiver during his career. Selected by the in the third round (83rd overall) of the out of , McCaffrey began his career with the Giants from 1991 to 1993, where he appeared in 48 games and recorded 92 receptions for 1,091 yards and seven touchdowns. He then joined the in 1994, contributing to their victory with 11 receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the regular season and one reception for five yards in three playoff games. McCaffrey signed with the as a in 1995, spending the next nine seasons there and forming a key part of offenses led by quarterbacks and , amassing 462 receptions for 6,200 yards and 46 touchdowns while helping the team win Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. Throughout his NFL tenure, McCaffrey appeared in 185 games, totaling 565 receptions for 7,422 yards and 55 touchdowns, with his consistent performance peaking in when he earned Second-Team honors, a selection, and recorded 64 receptions for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns. His career was marked by durability despite injuries, including a severe in 2001 that caused him to miss most of that season, leading to his retirement after the 2003 campaign. Beyond football, McCaffrey is the patriarch of a prominent athletic family; he and his wife, Lisa, have four sons—Max, Christian, Dylan, and Luke—all of whom pursued football, with Christian (San Francisco 49ers running back), Max (NFL assistant coach), and Luke (Washington Commanders wide receiver) reaching the professional level. Post-retirement, McCaffrey transitioned into coaching, serving as head football coach at (2009–2019 and 2022–2025), the (2019–2022 and since 2025), while also venturing into business as co-founder of the Pacific Pro Football League in 2019 and participating in media and motivational speaking.

Early life and education

Family background and youth

Ed McCaffrey was born Edward Thomas McCaffrey on August 17, 1968, in . He spent his early childhood in , where his family settled after his birth. As the oldest of five children in a close-knit Catholic family, McCaffrey grew up with two sisters, Monica and Meghan, and two brothers, Billy and Michael. His parents, Edward McCaffrey Sr. and Elizabeth McCaffrey, instilled strong values centered on hard work, faith, and education; his father had briefly played basketball at St. Joseph's College in before prioritizing academics in raising the family. The McCaffrey household fostered an environment rich in athletic influence, with siblings pursuing competitive sports that shaped Ed's early experiences. Monica went on to play at , while brother Billy competed in at and later Vanderbilt, often drawing comparisons to Ed's speed and talent despite their different paths. These sibling relationships encouraged mutual support and friendly competition, contributing to Ed's development amid a family tradition of physical activity and achievement. From around age eight, McCaffrey displayed keen interests in football and , alongside , participating in organized leagues in the Allentown area. His father's emphasis on discipline and his siblings' examples provided early exposure to team sports, helping him hone fundamental skills like speed, coordination, and endurance before entering organized high school athletics.

High school career

Ed McCaffrey attended in , where he emerged as a standout multi-sport . During his time there, McCaffrey transferred from and quickly became a key contributor to the ' athletic programs, balancing rigorous academics with excellence in football and . In football, McCaffrey demonstrated versatility by playing wide receiver, quarterback, tight end, and running back on offense, while also contributing on defense as a safety and linebacker. As a sophomore and junior, he earned first-team all-star honors in the East Penn Conference (EPC), helping his team to a 6-4-1 record in his second year, though the squad struggled in his junior season with a 0-10-1 mark. His senior year saw him named to the Parade Magazine All-America team and EPC second-team all-star, despite missing six of 11 games due to a shoulder injury; the team finished 2-9 overall. McCaffrey's coaches praised his exceptional practice habits, reliable blocking, and ability to make difficult catches, which drew early attention from Division I programs like Penn State, Michigan, and Syracuse during his sophomore year. He also garnered all-state second-team honors as a senior in 1986. McCaffrey's basketball prowess was equally impressive, as he helped lead the to state championships in 1984 and 1986. A forward, he averaged 21.4 in his senior season and concluded his high school career with a then-school record of 1,637 points, earning All-American recognition. His scoring ability was highlighted in key games, such as a 1986 matchup where he set the school's all-time scoring mark with a 78-56 victory that clinched a playoff spot. McCaffrey's strong academic performance and athletic talent fueled a competitive recruitment process, with interest from multiple Division I schools by his sophomore year. Ultimately, he committed to , drawn by its balance of academic rigor and football opportunities; recruiter Tom Beckett played a pivotal role in his decision, emphasizing the program's holistic appeal. Beyond sports, McCaffrey's high school experience at the academically demanding Central Catholic prepared him for Stanford's challenges, though specific extracurriculars like student government or clubs are not prominently documented.

Collegiate career

McCaffrey enrolled at in 1986 and played for the Cardinal football team over four seasons from 1986 to 1990, redshirting the 1988 campaign due to a quadriceps injury. He graduated from Stanford in 1990 with a . During his collegiate career, McCaffrey established himself as a reliable target in Stanford's passing offense, amassing 146 receptions for 2,333 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns across 37 games. These totals ranked him fifth all-time in school history for receptions and third for receiving yards at the time of his graduation. His consistent production contributed to Stanford's efforts in the Pac-10 Conference, where he developed into a possession receiver known for precise route-running and sure hands. As a senior in 1990 under head coach , McCaffrey had a breakout season, recording 61 receptions for 917 yards and 8 while also adding a rushing , helping lead Stanford to a 6-5 record. He earned first-team honors from the and first-team All-Pac-10 Conference recognition, finishing second in the conference in receiving yards and tied for second in receiving . In key games that year, McCaffrey made crucial contributions, including multiple receptions that set up scoring drives in a 36-31 upset victory over No. 10 Notre Dame and a late catch with 17 seconds remaining in a 27-25 win over rival in the Big Game. McCaffrey's transition to wide receiver at Stanford built on his high school experience as a quarterback, allowing him to leverage his football IQ in reading defenses and contributing to blocking schemes that supported the Cardinal's balanced offenses.

Professional career

New York Giants

McCaffrey was selected by the in the third round (83rd overall) of the out of Stanford, where his honors as a receiver helped elevate his draft stock. He signed a three-year rookie contract worth approximately $800,000 shortly after the draft. As a in 1991, McCaffrey appeared in all 16 games without a start, recording 16 receptions for 146 yards and no touchdowns while adapting to the professional level primarily as a backup and special teams contributor. The Giants finished 8-8 that season under Bill Parcells, with McCaffrey learning behind established receivers in a run-heavy offense led by quarterback Phil Simms. McCaffrey's role expanded slightly in 1992 and 1993, where he served as a slot receiver and rotational option, accumulating 76 receptions for 945 yards and 7 over the two seasons while starting just 4 games total. In 1992, he posted career highs for the Giants with 49 catches for 610 yards and 5 , including a notable 17-yard reception from Simms in a Week 7 win over the . The following year, he added 27 receptions for 335 yards and 2 scores, highlighted by a 17-yard catch in a 14-10 victory against the in October 1993. During this period, McCaffrey shared the receiving corps with wideout Mark Ingram, contributing to a Giants team that reached the in 1993 but struggled with a 9-7 record amid transitions. He avoided major injuries throughout his Giants tenure, maintaining availability for all 48 regular-season games. Entering restricted free agency in 1994, McCaffrey remained unsigned as began under new head coach , who prioritized other receivers like . On July 18, 1994, the Giants rescinded their , effectively releasing him and allowing him to sign with the as a on July 25 for a one-year deal worth $162,000.

San Francisco 49ers

Following his release by the due to constraints, Ed McCaffrey signed with the as a on July 25, 1994. His tenure with the team lasted just one season, during which he served primarily as a depth and special teams contributor behind established stars like and John Taylor. In 16 regular-season games for the 49ers, McCaffrey recorded 11 receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns, reflecting his limited offensive role on a deep receiving corps. The team, coached by , finished with a 13-3 record and dominated the , benefiting from a high-powered offense led by Steve Young and Jerry Rice, who combined for over 2,000 receiving yards that year. McCaffrey's contributions extended to special teams, where he helped provide stability amid the 49ers' veteran-laden roster. McCaffrey played a part in the 49ers' successful playoff run, culminating in a 49-26 victory over the in on January 29, 1995. In the game, he caught one pass for 5 yards, earning him his first as part of San Francisco's fifth championship franchise.

Denver Broncos

McCaffrey signed with the as a in 1995 under head coach , marking the beginning of his nine-season tenure with the team that lasted until his retirement following the 2003 season. Initially serving as a spot starter, he appeared in all 16 games with five starts in his debut year, recording 39 receptions for 477 yards and two touchdowns. Over his Broncos career, McCaffrey amassed 462 receptions for 6,200 yards and 46 touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable possession receiver in Shanahan's , which emphasized short, precise passes to complement the running game. McCaffrey reached the peak of his performance from 1996 to 2000, aligning with quarterback John Elway's final years and running back Terrell Davis's MVP seasons, during which he started all 76 games and maintained a 68-game consecutive reception streak from 1997 to 2003. In this period, he became a core component of the Broncos' high-powered offense, often targeted on slant routes and crossing patterns to move the chains and set up play-action for Davis. His standout 2000 season saw him lead the with 101 receptions for 1,317 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors and helping the team to a 10-6 record. These years solidified McCaffrey's role as Elway's go-to option for third-down conversions and red-zone efficiency. McCaffrey played a pivotal role in the Broncos' back-to-back victories, contributing to their first championships in franchise history. In following the 1997 season, he led the team in receiving with two catches for 45 yards, including a crucial 36-yard reception that set up a touchdown in a 31-24 win over the . The following year, in , McCaffrey recorded five receptions for 72 yards in a dominant 34-19 victory against the , helping sustain drives in an offense that rushed for over 200 yards led by Davis. McCaffrey's later years were marred by injuries, including a compound fracture of his left and in the 2001 season opener against the , which sidelined him for the remainder of the year and limited him to just one game. He returned in 2002 for 16 games with 69 receptions but suffered two concussions in 2003, contributing to a decline in production during a 10-6 season. On March 2, 2004, McCaffrey announced his retirement at age 35, citing the cumulative toll of injuries after 13 seasons.

Career statistics and achievements

NFL statistics

Ed McCaffrey played 13 seasons in the from 1991 to 2003, appearing in 185 regular-season games across the , , and . Over his career, he recorded 565 receptions for 7,422 receiving yards and 55 receiving touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per reception with a longest gain of 78 yards. He also had minimal rushing involvement, with 3 carries for 21 yards and no rushing scores.
YearTeamGRecYdsAvgLngTD
1991NYG16161469.1260
1992NYG164961012.4445
1993NYG162733512.4312
1994SFO161113111.9322
1995DEN163947712.2352
1996DEN154855311.5397
1997DEN154559013.1358
1998DEN15641,05316.54810
1999DEN15711,01814.3787
2000DEN161011,31713.0619
2001DEN169415.7281
2002DEN166990313.1692
2003DEN121919510.3230
McCaffrey appeared in 14 postseason games, including three Super Bowl victories (XXIX with the 49ers in 1994, and XXXII and XXXIII with the Broncos in 1997 and 1998). In playoff action, he tallied 42 receptions for 554 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 13.2 yards per catch with a longest gain of 51 yards.

Awards and honors

Ed McCaffrey won three championships during his NFL career, contributing to victories with the in and the in XXXII and XXXIII. In following the 1994 season, McCaffrey helped the 49ers defeat the 49-26 as a key special teams player and occasional receiver. For after the 1997 season, he served as the Broncos' leading receiver in their 31-24 win over the , catching two passes for 45 yards to support quarterback . In following the 1998 season, McCaffrey made a more significant offensive impact in the Broncos' 34-19 victory against the , recording five receptions for 72 yards. McCaffrey earned second-team honors and a selection in 1998, a standout year where he recorded 64 receptions for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a possession receiver and blocker. These performances underscored his value in the Broncos' back-to-back runs, highlighting peaks in productivity that solidified his role in the offense. In recognition of his contributions to the franchise, McCaffrey was named to the ' 50th Anniversary Team in 2009, honoring his tenure from 1995 to 2003. While he has been discussed as a candidate for the Broncos Ring of Fame due to his championship pedigree and statistical output, he has not yet been inducted. At the collegiate level, McCaffrey received first-team honors in 1990 during his senior year at , where he set single-season school records for receptions (62) and receiving yards (917). Post-career, he was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to Cardinal football.

Coaching career

High school coaching

In February 2018, Ed McCaffrey was hired as the head football coach at in , bringing his NFL experience to mentor young athletes in a program known for its competitive success. During his two seasons from 2018 to 2019, McCaffrey led the Eagles to an overall record of 24–2, including an undefeated 14–0 campaign in 2018 that culminated in a 24–14 victory over Cherry Creek in the Class 5A state championship game. In 2019, the team finished 10–2 overall but lost in the Class 5A quarterfinals to Columbine, 37–30. McCaffrey's coaching philosophy centered on fundamentals, player development, and fostering a family-oriented environment, drawing from his professional background to emphasize discipline, technique, and personal growth over high-profile tactics. He prioritized building relationships with players, often highlighting the importance of mentoring young men holistically, which aligned with Valor Christian's emphasis on character alongside athletic achievement. A key aspect of his tenure involved the early development of his sons Dylan and Luke McCaffrey, both of whom played quarterback for the Eagles under his guidance; Dylan led the 2018 championship team before moving to college football at Michigan, while Luke emerged as a versatile athlete in 2019, earning scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs. McCaffrey's program-building efforts included assembling a staff with NFL ties, such as former Broncos assistants, to elevate training standards and recruit talent, solidifying Valor Christian's reputation as a pipeline for college prospects.

College coaching

On December 12, 2019, the announced the hiring of Ed McCaffrey as the 16th head coach of its football program. McCaffrey, leveraging his experience as a three-time champion and former wide receiver, was tasked with revitalizing the Bears in the at the FCS level. His tenure began amid high expectations, but the 2020 season was entirely canceled due to the , preventing any on-field action and allowing only preparatory work with the team. McCaffrey's first competitive season came in 2021, resulting in a 3–8 overall record and 2–6 in conference play, followed by another 3–8 mark (2–6 Big Sky) in 2022, for an overall 6–16 ledger across two played seasons. The program faced significant hurdles, including heavy roster attrition through the transfer portal—McCaffrey later noted losses of up to 60% of players annually—and recruiting difficulties inherent to a mid-major FCS program with limited resources. These issues were compounded by ongoing protocols in 2021, which disrupted training and contributed to inconsistent performance. Notable games included a 35–7 season-opening loss to in McCaffrey's debut and a 17–9 victory over Southern Utah that snapped a losing streak. Drawing from his professional background under coaches like Mike Shanahan, McCaffrey installed an offensive scheme emphasizing wide zone blocking and precise route running, with his son Max serving as to develop and play. This approach aimed to build a balanced attack but struggled against conference defenses, averaging under 20 points per game. Player development saw mixed results, with some transfers like wide Jaxon Janke finding success elsewhere, though the unit ranked near the bottom of the Big Sky in total offense both years. McCaffrey's tenure ended on , 2022, when the relieved him of his duties following the 2022 season, citing the need for new to address program challenges. The decision came amid controversies, including player allegations of tampering, inadequate preparation, and an unhealthy team culture that prompted significant departures and an internal review. The had initially supported McCaffrey after winter 2022 reports of these issues but ultimately parted ways after no improvement in results. Following his dismissal from UNC, McCaffrey has not returned to head coaching as of 2025.

Head coaching record

College

Ed McCaffrey was the head football coach at the from 2020 to 2022. The 2020 season was canceled due to the , and the Bears opted out of the 's spring 2021 schedule, playing no competitive games that year. McCaffrey's teams competed in the fall seasons of 2021 and 2022, compiling an overall record of 6–16 and a conference mark of 4–12 in the . McCaffrey's tenure was controversial, with player allegations in 2022 of systemic issues including poor program culture, scholarship mismanagement, and inadequate preparation. The university conducted an investigation and initially supported him, but these concerns factored into his dismissal.
YearTeamOverallConferenceStandingHomeAwayNotes
20213–82–610th (Big Sky)1–42–4First competitive under McCaffrey
20223–82–611th (Big Sky)1–42–4
Total6–164–122–84–8No postseason appearances
The Bears did not qualify for any bowl games or the FCS during McCaffrey's tenure. The program has not made an FCS playoff appearance since joining the division in 2006. Prior to McCaffrey, the Bears' previous was Earnest Collins Jr., who coached for nine seasons from 2010 to 2019 with a 28–72 record. The program's last winning before McCaffrey was 2016 (6–5). Following McCaffrey's departure, successor has overseen continued challenges, with the team going 1–22 through the 2024 (0–11 in 2023 and 1–11 in 2024). As of November 14, 2025, the 2025 record is 3–7 (1–5 Big Sky). McCaffrey was fired on November 21, 2022, after the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.

High school

Ed McCaffrey began his head coaching career at in , in 2018. In his inaugural season, the Eagles posted a perfect 14–0 record, including a 5–0 mark in the Class 5A Metro South Conference, and captured the Class 5A state championship with a 24–14 victory over Cherry Creek in the title game. The team demonstrated dominance in the playoffs, going undefeated through four postseason contests to secure the program's eighth state title in the prior decade. In , McCaffrey's Valor Christian squad finished 10–2 overall, remaining undefeated in conference play at 3–0, and advanced to the Class 5A state quarterfinals after winning their first two playoff games before falling to Ralston Valley. This performance contributed to an impressive two-year overall record of 24–2 for the Eagles under McCaffrey's leadership, marked by undefeated conference stretches and consistent postseason success. McCaffrey's tenure emphasized player development, with numerous athletes from his teams earning spots at college programs, including Luke McCaffrey, who committed to the University of Nebraska, and Joshia Davis, who signed with the . These advancements underscored the program's focus on preparing high school talent for collegiate competition. Following McCaffrey's departure to pursue college coaching at in late 2019, Valor Christian maintained its strong legacy, capturing multiple conference championships and reaching state semifinals or better in several subsequent seasons, including 11–2 records in 2021 and deep playoff runs through 2023.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ed McCaffrey married Lisa Sime, a former Stanford soccer player and daughter of Olympic sprinter , on April 4, 1992. The couple met while both were student-athletes at in the late , where McCaffrey played wide receiver on the football team and Sime competed in women's soccer. Their shared athletic backgrounds fostered a strong partnership centered on sports and family. The McCaffreys have four sons, all of whom pursued careers in football: Max (born May 17, 1994), who serves as an offensive assistant coach for the after a brief playing stint; Christian (born June 7, 1996), a for the ; Dylan (born March 25, 1999), a former college who played at the and the ; and Luke (born April 2, 2001), a wide receiver for the . The family has long been based in , where Ed and Lisa raised their children and supported their involvement in athletics from a young age, often relocating temporarily for Ed's career but maintaining as their home. The McCaffrey household emphasized competitive sports and family bonding through athletics, with Ed and Lisa actively coaching and attending their sons' games to nurture their talents. This support contributed to notable family milestones, including Christian's 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the league in rushing yards and total touchdowns, and Luke's selection by the in the third round (100th overall) of the .

Other activities and philanthropy

Following his departure from coaching in late 2022, Ed McCaffrey has focused on speaking engagements centered on , , and personal motivation, drawing from his experiences to inspire corporate and community audiences. His presentations, such as "Heart of a Champion," emphasize building resilient teams and overcoming adversity, and he has delivered them at events for organizations including and the Boys & Girls Clubs since resuming a full speaking schedule in 2023. McCaffrey has deepened his involvement in youth sports and mentoring programs in , particularly through SportsEddy, his longstanding initiative offering football camps that teach skills alongside life lessons like discipline and integrity. Post-2022, these camps have expanded to include annual sessions in Littleton, with the 2025 edition held in June featuring instruction from McCaffrey and other former players to foster confidence and teamwork among young athletes. He also co-founded the Dare to Play Football Camp, tailored for children with , promoting inclusion and physical development in community settings. In philanthropy, McCaffrey co-founded the McCaffrey Family Foundation with his wife Lisa in 2001 to support children facing academic or financial hardships stemming from medical challenges, providing resources for and recovery. The foundation has partnered with NFL alumni for charity events, including fundraising appearances at during Super Bowl week in 2025, to aid youth initiatives nationwide. Additionally, McCaffrey participates in Colorado-based community drives, such as those benefiting through his business promotions. McCaffrey makes occasional guest appearances on the on 850 and other media outlets. He has made occasional guest appearances on podcasts and preview shows, discussing team dynamics and player development. In business ventures, he founded McCaffrey Brands, launching products like spicy brown mustard and plant-based protein bites in 2024–2025, with proceeds supporting family efforts and available nationwide.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaEd00.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25707065/agent-don-yee-three-super-bowl-champion-ed-mccaffrey-head-pacific-pro-football
  3. https://people.com/all-about-christian-mccaffrey-brothers-luke-max-dylan-11829220
  4. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ed-mccaffrey-reveals-rooting-order-3-nfl-sons-excited-christians-return-after-injury-riddled-season
  5. https://uncbears.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/ed-mccaffrey/616
  6. https://www.footballscoop.com/2025/03/04/sources-ed-mccaffrey-to-be-head-coach-at-northern-colorado
  7. https://www.denverpost.com/2015/11/04/broncos-ed-mccaffrey-wife-lisa-both-come-from-long-line-of-athletes/
  8. https://www.profootballhistory.com/ed-mccaffrey/
  9. https://www.mcall.com/1999/01/28/mccaffreys-high-school-coach-is-still-watching-him-play/
  10. https://www.appeal-democrat.com/sports/best-of-the-best-to-play-football-basketball-in-high-school/article_2263b498-2eb7-11eb-aa62-d76678eeb35c.html
  11. https://www.mcall.com/1986/02/18/cchs-forces-playoff-mccaffrey-sets-mark/
  12. https://static.gostanford.com/custompages/halloffame/profile-emccaffrey.html
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ed-mccaffrey-1.html
  14. https://gostanford.com/news/2018/06/04/mccaffrey-tabbed-to-ballot
  15. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Biggest-Big-Game-upsets-1990-Stanford-27-Cal-25-2289167.php
  16. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-07-24-sp-59-story.html
  17. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/1991.htm
  18. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/1993.htm
  19. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-24-sp-1204-story.html
  20. https://www.courant.com/1994/07/19/transactions-5019/
  21. https://www.nfl.com/transactions/league/signings/1994/7
  22. https://www.mcall.com/2014/07/22/flashback-in-1994-ed-mccaffrey-signs-with-the-49ers/
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/20/sports/super-bowl-xxxii-mccaffrey-is-rising-above-the-doubts.html
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaEd00/gamelog/1994/
  25. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1994.htm
  26. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501290sdg.htm
  27. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaEd00/gamelog/postseason/
  28. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-legends-a-look-back-through-ed-mccaffrey-s-broncos-career
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/career-receiving.htm
  30. https://edmccaffrey.com/about-ed/
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCaEd00/gamelog/2000/
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801250den.htm
  33. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/ed-mccaffreys-stats-in-super-bowl-33
  34. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/broken-leg-for-mccaffrey-1.282781
  35. https://www.9news.com/article/sports/mccaffrey-announces-retirement/73-344920116
  36. https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/ed-mccaffrey-188
  37. https://www.coloradosports.org/hall-of-fame/athletes/2023-inductees/ed-mccaffrey/
  38. https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/what-an-honor-former-broncos-wr-ed-mccaffrey-inducted-into-colorado-sports-hall-
  39. https://www.espn.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/3976/broncos-reveal-50th-anniversary-team
  40. https://www.milehighreport.com/2023/7/12/23792032/ed-mccaffrey-great-player-broncos
  41. https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2018/02/06/ed-mccaffrey-named-named-valor-christian-high-school-head-coach/79610663007/
  42. https://www.denverpost.com/2018/12/01/valor-christian-beats-cherry-creek-5a-title/
  43. https://bigskyconf.com/news/2019/12/13/ed-mccaffrey-named-northern-colorado-head-football-coach.aspx
  44. https://www.denverpost.com/2019/11/22/columbine-engineers-road-upset-over-valor-christian/
  45. https://www.denverpost.com/2018/11/09/valor-christian-ed-mccaffrey/
  46. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/18213449/utils
  47. https://www.usatodayhss.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/07/05/former-broncos-great-ed-mccaffrey-has-built-quite-the-staff-at-valor-christian-colo/76324428007/
  48. https://uncbears.com/news/2019/12/12/ed-mccaffery-named-northern-colorado-football-head-coach.aspx
  49. https://fbschedules.com/2022-northern-colorado-football-schedule/
  50. https://www.greeleytribune.com/2021/10/23/what-ed-mccaffrey-said-northern-colorado-win-at-southern-utah/
  51. https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/curran-why-is-outside-zone-so-hard-to-master-ed-mccaffrey-explains/263205/
  52. https://uncbears.com/news/2022/11/21/mccaffrey-will-not-return-as-northern-colorado-head-football-coach.aspx
  53. https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/northern-colorado-fires-ed-mccaffrey-former-all-pro-wr-went-6-16-in-three-seasons-marred-by-controversy/
  54. https://www.reporterherald.com/2022/01/30/northern-colorado-football-transfers-players-share-experiences-accusations-2/
  55. https://www.denverpost.com/2022/11/21/ed-mccaffrey-unc-bears-northern-colorado-football-out/
  56. https://www.unco.edu/news/articles/earnest-collins-not-retained-unc-head-football-coach.aspx
  57. https://uncbears.com/sports/football/schedule
  58. https://www.9news.com/article/sports/high-school/valor-christian-defeats-cherry-creek-in-5a-football-championship/73-619580746
  59. https://valoreagles.com/sports/football/schedule/2019
  60. https://valoreagles.com/news/2019/12/12/head-football-coach-ed-mccaffrey-steps-down-takes-northern-colorado-job.aspx
  61. https://www.maxpreps.com/co/highlands-ranch/valor-christian-eagles/football/history/
  62. https://old.chsaanow.com/2017-12-12/valor-christian-running-back-joshia-davis-commits-cu-football/
  63. https://www.commanders.com/news/mccaffrey-matriarch-lisa-played-pivotal-role-in-athletic-development-of-luke-his-brothers
  64. https://people.com/christian-mccaffrey-parents-everything-to-know-11823208
  65. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2969896/max-mccaffrey
  66. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3117251/christian-mccaffrey
  67. https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/dylan-mccaffrey/19044
  68. https://www.49ers.com/news/christian-mccaffrey-announced-as-ap-offensive-player-of-the-year
  69. https://www.nfl.com/news/commanders-select-rice-wr-luke-mccaffrey-with-pick-no-100-of-2024-nfl-draft
  70. https://edmccaffrey.com/
  71. https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/ed-mccaffrey
  72. https://sportseddy.com/
  73. https://mccaffreybrands.com/events/june-12-2025-football-open-camp/
  74. https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/programs-conferences-grants/programs/dare-to-play-football-camp/dare-to-play-football-camp-instructors/
  75. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mccaffrey-family-launches-mccaffrey-protein-bites-302367630.html
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSi6l2z6Dyo
  77. https://mccaffreybrands.com/our-story/
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