> At a Glance
> – Tom Moore, 87, is retiring after nearly 50 years in the NFL
> – Most recently senior offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> – Coached Tom Brady to his 7th Super Bowl win in 2021
> – Why it matters: One of the most influential offensive minds in NFL history steps away
After nearly five decades shaping NFL offenses, Tom Moore is calling it a career. The 87-year-old coach, who helped develop quarterbacks from Terry Bradshaw to Tom Brady, announced his retirement following the Buccaneers’ playoff miss on January 4.
A Career Spanning Generations
Moore’s NFL journey began with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977, where he started as a wide receivers coach before becoming offensive coordinator. His 13-season tenure with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998-2010 saw him direct Peyton Manning during the quarterback’s dominant era.
“I really like Tom Moore’s offense because there’s a completion out there somewhere,” Manning said in 1998. “It’s up to me to find it.”
The Final Chapter in Tampa Bay
Moore’s six years with the Buccaneers included a historic Super Bowl LV victory in 2021. Working as senior offensive assistant, he helped Brady secure his seventh championship ring against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The coach’s decision comes as his wife Willie recovers from a stroke earlier this year.
“It’s time for me to go home and take care of my wife,” Moore told the Tampa Bay Times. “For 62 years, she made a lot of sacrifices so I could live a dream and it’s always been about Tom but now it’s about Willie.”
Coaching Journey Across the League
Moore’s coaching career included stops with:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1977-1983)
- Minnesota Vikings
- Detroit Lions
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
- Indianapolis Colts (1998-2010)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-2024)
He began coaching at the University of Iowa in 1961, his alma mater, before making the jump to professional football.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2015, Moore received the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award from the Pro Football Writers of America, honoring outstanding lifetime achievements as an assistant coach. His four Super Bowl rings cement his place among the most successful coaches in NFL history.
“I’ve been fortunate to land in a lot of great places,” Moore reflected. “This is a great place. The Glazers are fantastic owners. It doesn’t get any better than Jason Licht as general manager. Todd [Bowles] is great … it’s a tough business. I’ve been blessed.”
Key Takeaways
- Tom Moore retires at 87 after 49 years in professional football
- His coaching career included developing Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady
- Won 4 Super Bowl rings during his distinguished career
- Final season ended with Buccaneers missing playoffs on January 4, 2026
- Wife Willie’s health challenges prompted retirement decision
Moore’s departure marks the end of an era in NFL coaching, leaving behind a legacy of offensive innovation that shaped multiple generations of quarterbacks and helped redefine modern football strategy.
