Koetter was the head coach at Highland High School for two seasons, then became a full-time college assistant coach in 1985 as the offensive coordinator at San Francisco State University. After his time at San Francisco State, he coached at UTEP, Missouri, Boston College, and Oregon. Koetter was the head coach for three seasons at Boise State from 1998 to 2000, then moved to Arizona Statein 2001. His record with the Broncos was 26–10, with two Big West Conference titles and two bowl victories and was named Big WestCoach of the Year twice. At Arizona State, Koetter compiled a 40–34 record, and four Bowl appearances in six years. Under Koetter, who was also the offensive play caller, the Sun Devils became known for a vertical passing attack. On November 26, 2006, The Arizona Republic reported that Koetter was being terminated as Arizona State football coach. His final game was the 2006 Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve, a 41–24 loss.
Jacksonville Jaguars
In 2007, Koetter accepted the position of offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NationalFootball League. In his first year in the NFL, he had immediate success setting franchise records for total points scored and yards gained while helping the Jaguars to an 11–5 record. In his five seasons with the Jaguars, the team cumulatively ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards over that time span in addition to having the NFL's leading rusher in Maurice Jones-Drew in 2010.
Atlanta Falcons
On January 15, 2012, Koetter was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. On January 2, 2013, the Falcons signed Koetter to a contract extension that ran through the 2014 season. Koetter and the Falcons appeared in the NFC Championship Game in 2013 but lost 24-28 to the San Francisco 49ers, who had made their first Super Bowl in 18 years.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Koetter was hired by the Falcons' division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become their offensive coordinator in 2015. After the firing of Lovie Smith, Koetter was hired on January 15, 2016 as the head coach. After posting a 9–7 record in 2016 and barely missing the playoffs, the Buccaneers had high expectations for the 2017 campaign. However, Koetter and the Buccaneers failed to meet those expectations, slipping to a 5–11 record. Despite regressing in his second year as the Buccaneers coach, on December 29, 2017, the Buccaneers announced they would retain Koetter for the 2018 season. After another 5–11 season, the Buccaneers fired Koetter on December 30, 2018.
Atlanta Falcons (second stint)
On January 8, 2019, Koetter was re-hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coaching record
College
NFL
Personal life
Koetter and his wife, Kim, have four kids, Kaylee, Kendra, Derek, and Davis.
