Dick Vermeil
Legendary NFL Head Coach; Author of Whistle in His Mouth, Heart on His Sleeve
Biography
• Famed NFL Coach - lead 2 different teams to the Super Bowl • NFL and College Football Sportscaster • Entrepreneur and Winemaker, Jean Louis Vermeil Cabernet • Only Coach to be Awarded Conference Coach of the Year Honors on 4 Levels One of the most distinguished coaching careers in National Football League history officially concluded when Dick Vermeil announced his retirement from professional football in 2006. Vermeil spent 15 seasons as an NFL head coach and was a member of the league's coaching fraternity for 19 seasons. In addition, Vermeil has had a prestigious career as a football broadcaster, analyzing both NFL and college games. In 2006, he was portrayed on the big screen by Greg Kinnear in the film Invincible. Vermeil's lengthy and illustrious career has many highlights. After coaching at the high-school level, he secured his first NCAA Division 1 position in 1965 at Stanford University. In 1974, he was named head coach of UCLA, leading the Bruins to a Rose Bowl Championship. Soon thereafter in 1976, he joined the downtrodden Philadelphia Eagles, discovering an unlikely football star in walk-on legend Vince Papale and guiding the team to multiple playoffs and a 1980 NFC Championship. In 1983, after his first retirement from coaching, Vermeil took to a different kind of sideline---the broadcasting booth, serving as an NFL and college football analyst for CBS and ABC. After a 14-year NFL coaching hiatus, he returned in 1997 to coach the St. Louis Rams, leading to the franchise's first Super Bowl victory in 1999. Later he was named head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since his "retirement" from the Chiefs, Vermeil has acted as color commentator for ESPN and the NFL Network. Over the years, he and his wife have been actively involved in in numerous charitable efforts, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations that help families and youth, as well as disadvantaged and differently-abled people.
Speech Topics
Seven Common Sense Principles of Leadership
With one of the most distinguished coaching careers in National Football League history, Dick Vermeil is well-versed in what it takes to be an effective leader and what it takes to win on and off the field. Vermeil captivates audiences with behind-the-scenes stories and inspiring life lessons as he discusses the common-sense leadership principles that he learned and continually refined over his 15 seasons as an NFL head coach.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Dick Vermeil's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Dick Vermeil's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Dick Vermeil's speaking fee?
The typical range for Dick Vermeil's speaking fee is $13,000–$35,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Dick Vermeil to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Dick Vermeil for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Dick Vermeil's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Dick Vermeil through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Dick Vermeil

Herm Edwards
Affectionately known as the Energizer Bunny of the NFL, coach Herman Edwards is a perpetual motion machine, a breath of fresh air who uses his boundless energy and talent for combining hard work with good fun. Former ESPN analyst, NFL head coach (New York Jets '01-'05 and Kansas City Chiefs '06-'08) and player, Herm Edwards became head coach at Arizona State University in 2017. Whether it is his faith, family, or football team, Herm Edwards exudes passion in all areas of his life. Edwards has a diverse background in professional leadership, and is one of the most recognized voices in sports today. Herman is a strong proponent of being a positive role model and is one of the NFL’s most active participants in off-the-field outreach programs. In his book,You Play to Win the Game, Edwards shares the wisdom and insight he counts on to motivate and sustain himself, his team, and the thousands he has inspired.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
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Rocky Bleier
Legendary member of the four-time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier is one of America's most courageous sportsmen. Crippled by enemy fire during the Vietnam conflict, he fought overwhelming odds and demonstrated the courage and determination to overcome his injuries, becoming one of the NFL's premier running backs. His remarkable story became the subject of the book, Fighting Back, which was recreated in the 1980 ABC-TV movie of the same name. In his presentations, he motivates audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments, employing a dynamic style with real-life stories and an appropriate injection of humor.
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Jimmy Chin
Jimmy is a leading storyteller of his generation and a world-class professional mountain athlete. A National Geographic photographer, Academy Award–winning director, and New York Times bestselling author, he’s equally known for his groundbreaking climbing, skiing, and filmmaking — from Free Solo to Nyad.
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Joe Theismann
The most successful quarterback in the history of the Washington Redskins, Joe Theismann is also a world-class entrepreneur whose positive, high-energy presentations provide audiences with strategies for handling trying circumstances and dealing with unforeseen change. A successful businessman who currently serves on the board of directors of Johnny Rocket’s Group, he always challenges audiences to recognize the potential that lies within—as individuals and as members of a team.
Fee Range: $18,750–$27,500
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