History of Jim Fassel in Timeline

"Jim" Fassel was a prominent figure in American football, serving as both a player and coach. He is best known for his tenure as head coach of the New York Giants from 1997 to 2003. Beyond the Giants, he held various coaching and executive positions within the NFL and the United Football League (UFL), showcasing his multifaceted expertise in the sport.

August 31, 1949: Birth of Jim Fassel

Jim Fassel was born on August 31, 1949.

1967: Jim Fassel Meets His Future Wife, Kitty

Jim Fassel first met Kitty, his future wife, in 1967 while they were college freshmen.

April 1969: Jim and Kitty Fassel Place Their Son for Adoption

In April 1969, Jim and Kitty Fassel made the difficult decision to place their son for adoption.

1971: Jim and Kitty Fassel Get Married

Jim and Kitty Fassel were married in 1971.

1972: Jim Fassel's NFL Draft and Short Playing Career

In 1972, Jim Fassel was drafted by the Chicago Bears and had a brief playing career in the NFL.

1974: Jim Fassel's Time with The Hawaiians

Jim Fassel played for and coached The Hawaiians in the World Football League in 1974.

1974: Jim Fassel's First Professional Coaching Job

Jim Fassel's first professional coaching experience was with The Hawaiians in 1974.

October 22, 1975: Jim Fassel Throws Last Pass in WFL History

On October 22, 1975, Jim Fassel threw the final pass in the World Football League before it folded.

November 30, 1984: Jim Fassel Named Head Football Coach at the University of Utah

Jim Fassel was appointed as the head football coach at the University of Utah on November 30, 1984.

1991: Jim Fassel Joins the Giants as an Assistant Coach

Jim Fassel began working with the Giants as an assistant coach in 1991.

1992: Jim Fassel Becomes Offensive Coordinator for the Giants

Jim Fassel was promoted to the position of offensive coordinator for the Giants in 1992.

1996: Dan Reeves Departs as Coach of the Giants

Dan Reeves left his role as coach of the Giants in 1996, leading to the consideration of Jim Fassel as his replacement.

1997: Jim Fassel Named NFL Coach of the Year

Jim Fassel earned the NFL Coach of the Year award in 1997 after a successful turnaround season with the Giants.

1997: Jim Fassel Becomes Head Coach of the New York Giants

Jim Fassel was hired as the head coach of the New York Giants in 1997.

1997: Jim Fassel's Tenure as Head Coach of the New York Giants Begins

Jim Fassel's time as the head coach of the New York Giants commenced in 1997.

1998: Giants Hand Denver Broncos Their First Loss of the Season

In 1998, the Giants, under Jim Fassel's leadership, defeated the Denver Broncos, ending their undefeated streak.

2000: Jim Fassel's "Playoff Guarantee" and NFC Championship Run

In 2000, Jim Fassel famously guaranteed the Giants would make the playoffs, which they did, eventually reaching the NFC Championship.

2000: Jim Fassel's Famous Playoff Speech

In 2000, Jim Fassel gave a motivational speech predicting the Giants' playoff berth, which sparked a successful run for the team.

2002: Giants Suffer Loss to 49ers in the Playoffs

The Giants, led by Jim Fassel, experienced a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2002 playoffs.

2003: Jim Fassel Announces Resignation as Head Coach of the Giants

In 2003, Jim Fassel announced his resignation as the head coach of the Giants, effective at the end of the season.

2003: The Fassels Reunite with Their Adopted Son

In 2003, the Fassels were reunited with their son whom they had placed for adoption many years earlier.

2003: End of Jim Fassel's Tenure with the New York Giants

Jim Fassel's time as head coach of the New York Giants ended in 2003.

2004: Jim Fassel Joins the Ravens as an Offensive Consultant

Jim Fassel joined the Baltimore Ravens as an offensive consultant in 2004.

2005: Jim Fassel Becomes Offensive Coordinator for the Ravens

In 2005, Jim Fassel took on the role of offensive coordinator for the Ravens.

October 17, 2006: Jim Fassel Fired by the Ravens

On October 17, 2006, Jim Fassel was let go from his position with the Ravens.

2006: Jim and Kitty Fassel's Divorce and Reconciliation

In 2006, Jim and Kitty Fassel decided to divorce after trying to work through their issues in counseling. They later reconciled and remarried. In addition to a son from their teenage years, they had four more children (three sons and a daughter) during their marriage.