He has previously coached in the NFL with the Denver Broncos (2017–18), Oakland Raiders (2015–16, 1997), Philadelphia Eagles (2014, 1998), Minnesota Vikings (2011–13), Atlanta Falcons (2006–10), Washington Redskins (2005), Jacksonville Jaguars (2003–04) and Carolina Panthers (1999–2000).
During his coaching career, Musgrave helped three different quarterbacks to Pro Bowl seasons: Derek Carr (2015–16), Matt Ryan (2010) and Steve Beuerlein (1999).
[2] Musgrave accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oregon, at a time when the school had only four winning seasons in the last 22 years and hadn't been invited to a bowl game since 1963.
As a senior, he was named team MVP, first-team All-conference quarterback, GTE Academic All-American of the Year, and earned a Scholar-Athlete Award by the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
In his final game he injured his shoulder in the fourth quarter against UCLA, only to return and throw a 16-yard touchdown pass with 2:10 remaining for a 28–24 win.
On August 25, the Cowboys traded for Steve Beuerlein to improve the backup position and released Musgrave and Stoudt, opting to keep just two quarterbacks.
In 1993 and 1994, he was named the team's third-string quarterback and was rarely activated on game days although he did appear in Super Bowl XXIX where he threw a pass for 6 yards.
However, as an inexperienced coordinator, Musgrave had faltered at times, been criticized in the media for choices in playcalling, and was at one point rumored to have been yelled at by Seifert in front of the team.
[11] Musgrave was hired by the Minnesota Vikings to the position of offensive coordinator under head coach Leslie Frazier on January 16, 2011.
Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez started eight games apiece for the Eagles and combined to throw for 4,581 yards—a total topped by only five NFL quarterbacks that season.
[14] Musgrave was hired by head coach Jack Del Rio for a second time, on January 19, 2015, to serve as offensive coordinator.
[17] On January 10, 2017, Musgrave's contract was not renewed, and was let go by head coach Jack Del Rio after losing to the Houston Texans in a wild card playoff game.
On January 3, 2020, Musgrave was announced as the offensive coordinator for the California Golden Bears, replacing Beau Baldwin and marking his return to the college ranks after 18 years.
[18] On February 26, 2023, Musgrave was hired as a senior offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns under head coach Kevin Stefanski.