Eric Taylor is a fictional character and the central protagonist in the NBC/DirecTV (The 101 Network) drama television series Friday Night Lights played by Kyle Chandler.

Nonetheless, his strong sense of morality is seen a number of times, such as when he suspends Smash Williams for using steroids, personally apologizes to a student who was beaten up by one of his hot-headed defensive ends, Bobby Reyes, and does not hesitate to punish players for disobeying rules, whether on the field or off.

Taylor loves his family very much and is much more affectionate around his wife, contrasting with the brusque and "hard-ass" football coach image he maintains at practices and games.

Despite her dislike of football, Julie is often seen at games cheering her father on, and Taylor tries his best to relate to her, taking her to the father-daughter dance and playing table tennis in their garage.

He is also unfailingly polite to other Dillon residents, often biting back his annoyance at their armchair coaching, and never forgets to address the elderly Lorraine Saracen as "ma'am."

In addition, he has to deal with the overbearing booster club president, Buddy Garrity, who ambitiously recruits Ray "Voodoo" Tatum without consulting Taylor.

Along with teammates, Brian "Smash" Williams and Tim Riggins, Saracen leads the Panthers to a victory in the state final over ex-Panther, Ray "Voodoo" Tatum's, new team, West Cambria.

Taylor decides to leave his position at TMU and rejoin the Panthers, after Buddy Garrity and the boosters fire his replacement due to frustration with the team's performance during the first two games, in which they posted a 1-1 record.

Again, as in season 1, quarterback controversy surrounds the Panthers the entire year, with a conflict emerging between veteran, Matt Saracen, and young phenom, J.D.

Saracen plays well in his new role, and along with McCoy and Riggins, helps the Panthers post their strongest regular season under Coach Taylor, as they cruised into the playoffs with a 9-1 record.

Sensing McCoy's immaturity, Taylor decides to play Saracen at quarterback in the second half, in which Matt leads the Panthers to a tremendous comeback.

West Dillon decides not to renew Coach Taylor's contract, as Joe McCoy's influence leads the boosters and the school board to select Wade Aikmen, J.D.

Howard realizes his mistakes and grows into a mature leader toward the end of the season, leading the Lions to dominate throughout the playoffs and reach the state final.

Taylor receives an offer to return to the head coach position for the Dillon Panthers; he eventually declines due to past conflicts with the booster club.

[8][9] Judy Berman of Flavorwire put the couple in her list of the best TV characters of 2011, explaining: "Friday Night Lights's Eric and Tami Taylor have often been called the most realistic depiction of a strong marriage on television, and we agree with that assessment.