Doug Nussmeier, who finds himself balancing a demanding role as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach and a proud father, hasn’t quite wrapped his mind around the possibility of coaching Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts while casting an occasional glance at the field to see if his son is performing as expected on the opposing side. Yet, the time is nearing when Nussmeier will have to master this juggling act if his son faces off against the Eagles.
Garrett Nussmeier, playing as LSU’s quarterback, decided to stay in college for his redshirt senior year rather than entering the 2025 NFL Draft. This makes him a desirable pick for any team willing to wait another year to find their Quarterback of the Future. Teams like the Giants, who might be eyeing someone akin to Matthew Stafford, and the Tyrod Taylor-led Jets could indeed be interested in Garrett.
“He’s not the tallest, fastest, or the most naturally gifted athlete out there. But what sets him apart is his mindset,” Doug Nussmeier explained. “I didn’t have to push him out of bed to practice; instead, he would ask, ‘Dad, do you have time today to go throw some balls?'”
You can really see Doug’s pride in Garrett’s love for the game and his unyielding dedication. Despite facing challenges and not always having the easiest path, Garrett has displayed both passion and resilience, qualities that are invaluable, not only in football but in life as well.
Initially playing as a backup at LSU and moving down the depth chart after Jayden Daniels moved up, Garrett resisted the quick exit routes offered by the NCAA’s NIL and transfer portal era. And when Daniels hit the NFL running, snagging the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year title, Garrett finally got his moment. In a 9-4 season, he shattered LSU records for passing yards, completions, touchdowns, and total offense achieved by a first-year starter.
While most NFL coaches are busy with their game plans on Saturdays, Doug couldn’t resist watching as a father, not just a coach. “I don’t examine his game tapes; that’s for his coaches to do,” Doug said, crediting LSU’s Joe Sloan for Garrett’s development. “I just give some casual tips based on what I know — like, don’t take an unnecessary sack or avoid those late throws down the middle.”
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, had Garrett entered the 2025 Draft, he might have ranked around the 4th or 5th quarterback spot, labeled as “incomplete” with room to grow. After another year of honing his skills, his potential seems much more promising.
Miller describes him as having a “gunslinger mentality” with impressive touch, placement, and velocity. However, Garrett’s inconsistent field reading and a tendency for late-game decisions could have been red flags for scouts digging into his stats and gameplay.
Unlike Deion Sanders, who has publicly critiqued potential draft teams for his son Shedeur in 2025, Doug takes a more laid-back approach, allowing Garrett to steer his career path. Following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, Garrett took to social media to express admiration for his father, calling him “the definition of a winner” and affirming that he deserved the success.
Despite his connections, including one with Giants’ receiver Malik Nabers from their younger football camp days, Doug Nussmeier remains a guiding influence rather than a decision-maker for Garrett. He emphasized, “I didn’t make the decision for him to stay in school in 2025. I simply provided advice and told him what he might consider. Ultimately, the decision was his, and he’s confident about it. As a proud dad, I’m just here to support him.”
Having experienced the ups and downs of the football journey himself, Doug knows what it takes to succeed at high levels. “Facing adversity is crucial if you want to make it,” he noted. “In this sport, the climb gets steeper the higher you go. It’s key to embrace the challenge, keep as level-headed as possible, and rise to the occasion when things seem toughest.”
