Staten Island Advance

The Man, The Player, The Coach

Yes, it's technically the start of baseball season, but by now we are all itching for some football..

And if you can't watch it on TV (rest in peace AAF), you might as well read about it in your local paper.

Though he was born in Brooklyn, Rich Kotite is arguably Staten Island's most renowned football name...for a myriad of reasons.

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Staten Island Advance

All-American

Kotite, now 76, is most famous for coaching the New York Jets during a pair of lackluster seasons, but prior to that he was a grid star on Grymes Hill.

A standout at Poly Prep during his HS days, Kotite went on to play at Wagner College, where he became an All-American stud at tight end.

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Staten Island Advance

Drafted

Kotite led the Seahawks to an undefeated season in 1964 before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 18th round of the 1965 NFL draft.

That same year, Kotite was also selected by the Jets in the AFL draft, but a career with Minnesota nor the Jets ever materialized.

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Staten Island Advance

Pro Career

However, Kotite spent four seasons playing for the New York Giants and one with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1967-72.

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Staten Island Advance

Coaching Days

After his playing career came to an end, Kotite graduated to the coaching ranks, where he served as an assistant for 14 seasons.

Kotite spent time coaching tight ends and receivers during stints with the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and the Jets.

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Staten Island Advance

Philly's Head Man

Eventually, Kotite developed into an offensive coordinator with the Jets and later the Philadelphia Eagles, where he succeeded coaching legend Buddy Ryan at the helm.

During his first two years as Eagles head coach, Kotite compiled an impressive 21-11 record before a disappointing 15-17 mark over his final two seasons, which led to his ousting in 1994.

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Staten Island Advance

Back on the Sidelines

Kotite wasn't out of work for long, taking the same position with the Jets ahead of the 1995 season -- this time replacing another big name coach, though not necessarily at the time, in Pete Carroll.

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Staten Island Advance

Two and Out

The Jets went a dismal 4-28 under Kotite's guidance before he was ousted -- though he maintained residence on Staten Island during and after his time with NYJ.

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Staten Island Advance

Enjoying Retirement

Kotite never took another coaching position and eventually retired to Florida, though he contributed to media programs on the NFL Network.

He succeeded in the printing and advertising industries following his NFL days.

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Staten Island Advance

Hall of Famer at Home

In 1995, he was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame.

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