LA Rams’ Cooper Kupp Reveals Dark Truth of Being an NFL Coach as He Opens Up on Career After Retirement

As it is said in the NFL, those who can, play; those who cannot play, opt for coaching; and those who can’t play and coach, become a critique. The same might be the case for the workaholic Cooper Kupp.

Kupp has been in the league since 2017. However, in the past two seasons, he has not been healthy. In 2022, he suffered an ankle injury that abruptly ended his season. Then last summer, he sustained a hamstring injury, causing him to miss the first four regular-season games. Now, as he advances towards 2024 in better shape, injury concerns still linger. That’s why, many are speculating that if he gets injured again, the 31-year-old might consider retirement and become a coach rather than continuing as a player. But, Kupp has some different plans.

Cooper Kupp can never become a coach due to….

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp appeared on his new podcast show, Daily Grind podcast, with his wife, Anna Marie Kupp. During their discussion, the couple touched upon multiple topics, while also launching Dodo Coffee, “a coffee shop with a brick-and-mortar store in Fayetteville, Arkansas.” Additionally, the couple delved into the topic which is currently the talk of the town, and that is – his retirement plans and coaching career. Clearing the retirement rumors, Kupp highlighted, “I’m a football junkie. Not because I’m gonna get coaching though. I’m not gonna think about it right now. I’m playing ball.” The 31-year-old mentioned Bill Walsh’s coaching philosophy while explaining the dark truth of being an NFL coach.

Supporting his decision, he mentioned Walsh’s book “Finding the Winning Edge.” He highlighted the demanding nature of Walsh’s philosophy on coaching, which suggests, “It starts off, basically, by him giving this [speech] to a group of people about ‘if you’re not in a bad place with you’re family, if your wife’s not upset with you, if you’re not unable to see your kids, if you’re not stressing out, unable to sleep… then you’re not committed enough.’” This perspective of Walsh underscores the extreme dedication required to succeed as an NFL coach.

Walsh served as the 49ers head coach for 10 years, before retiring in 1975. In his illustrious career in the league, he led his team to three Super Bowl championships (1981, 1984, and 1988).

Like others, Kupp too has a deep respect for the late coach and his contributions to the sport. However, he would still choose not to follow Walsh’s path and coaching ideology, as he has his own priorities.

What are Cooper Kupp’s plans post-retirement?

In the same episode of his podcast, Cooper Kupp mentioned, “I am asked all the time if I am going to transition into being an NFL coach when I am done playing. Here is, respectfully, why that will never happen!” Explaining Bill Walsh’s strict philosophy, the Rams wideout highlighted his priority – family being the reason why he won’t switch to the coaching career. His wife, Anna, too agreed that when Cooper retires from the NFL, he will leave the game completely.

The athlete said, admitting that he seeks a more balanced life: “When my priorities go faith, family, friends, football; when that is there, then I am in such a better place. I am a better football player because of it.” Additionally, while recalling the struggling phase of Cooper’s injury in 2018, Anna revealed that she cared for their three-month-old baby, while also acting as a nurse for Kupp.

She expressed how challenging it was, saying, “You were in pain. There were so many external emotions that you’re working through.” Watching football on Sundays while their world fell upside down made her realize that football would continue without them, which lessened the pressure she felt. Kupp’s wife added, “This is important, but this isn’t the main thing. And the main thing is the main thing. And being able to then release some of that pressure of, like, football is a huge part of our life, and I love that it is, and it’s going to come and go. I want to love it because I get to experience it with you… this is what is fulfillment to me.”

So, overall, Kupp isn’t retiring soon, but whenever he does, he will choose his family over other NFL jobs.