You need to be talented enough to grow from a player to a coach in the same program. Looks like Jerry Neuheisel ticked off all the boxes when it came to winning the trust of the UCLA Bruins squad. Jerry served as the backup quarterback and holder on place kicks back in 2013 and 2014. It was last year, on Dec. 18, 2024, that Bruins’ former head coach DeShaun Foster prompted Jerry to add the title of assistant head coach to his role as tight ends coach. He coached seven years at his alma mater and eight overall. Back in 2024, Jerry completed his first season as tight ends coach after he was UCLA’s wide receivers coach across the three prior campaigns. Given his career graph, fans now want to explore the pillars of strength behind what Jerry is today, his parents.

Who are Jerry Neuheisel’s parents? 

Jerry was born in 1992 to Rick Neuheisel and his wife, Susan Neuheisel. The couple has two more sons, Jack, born in 1994, and Joe, born in 1997. Looks like Rick’s influence has been immense in Jerry’s life. His father, too, played his college football at UCLA, beginning his career as a walk-on and holding placekicks for John Lee. He was the starting quarterback in his senior year in the 1983 season. Jerry’s father then bypassed the 1984 NFL draft and joined the San Antonio Gunslingers of the USFL. After making multiple stops in the NFL, he became the head coach at Colorado and coached from 1994 to 1998.

Jerry’s father then refused to restrict himself to Colorado and explored head coaching roles at Washington (1999–2002), UCLA (2008-2011). He then switched to broadcasting, joining CBS Sports, and he continues it till today. Talking about Jerry’s mother? Susan is an executive producer known for her work on the 2014 TV pilot Under Center with Rick Neuheisel.

Where did Rick Neuheisel and Susan Neuheisel meet?

Jerry’s parents met during their time at UCLA. Rick played quarterback for the UCLA Bruins from 1981 to 1983, and Susan is a UCLA graduate. They were college sweethearts and have been together ever since. Jerry has grown up seeing his parents being there for each other. There was a time when Rick had to sell his house in Medina, and he received full support from Jerry’s mother.

What ethnicity are Jerry Neuheisel’s parents? 

Jerry’s dad, Rick, was born in Madison, Wisconsin. However, he is of German and Norwegian descent. On the other hand, Susan’s ethnic background is less publicly detailed. However, she is believed to be American.

Jerry Neuheisel’s relationship with his parents 

There exists a touch of friendship in the bond Jerry shares with his parents. While his connection with UCLA coach Rick is serious and strong, it’s playful enough with his mother, Susan, to pull off harmless pranks. As Jerry recalled, one funny family story. “My mom will call and I can answer the phone and pretend I’m my dad and she will have no idea for the first two minutes,” he said. “Then I can’t take myself seriously anymore and I burst out laughing. I think I spent too much time in the press conference room as a child. Now I can’t get rid of it.” Talking about Jerry’s father?

Rick feels proudest at the moment, even more than he might have felt about him hitting his own milestones. Before the Bruins faced off against Penn State, Jerry got promoted to play-caller. And the end result? He had a fabulous debut as the Bruins landed Nittany Lions, a 42-37 loss. And the dad could no longer hold back his emotions from the commentary box. 

Later on, he said, “To Penn State fans, I apologize because my Dad goggles were on, big time, today. But all of us as parents understand that. Doesn’t matter if it’s football or singing in the choir, what you have you. We’re all so proud of our kids. And when they get a chance to do what they want to do and then they get a stage and you get to watch them have that kind of success, makes it all worth it. My wife is at the game today — she flew in there this morning. Sue, I hope you’re having fun.” So, Jerry Neuheisel’s pillars of strength are beaming brightest with pride.