He played college football at the Notre Dame under coach Elmer Layden, who praised Kuharich as one of the best and smartest players he ever had.
Among his most notable pupils was Ollie Matson, who became a star running back with the Chicago Cardinals and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Other USF teammates under Kuharich included future Hall of Famers Gino Marchetti and Bob St. Clair to go along with Burl Toler, a defensive standout who later became the NFL's first African-American official.
[4] Following that season, he moved to the National Football League, serving as head coach of the Chicago Cardinals in 1952, succeeding Curly Lambeau.
In 1953, he served as a scout for several pro teams, then in 1954 became coach of the Washington Redskins, then owned by the controversial George Preston Marshall, once again, following Lambeau.
The Redskins' claim to fame was Eddie LeBaron, the smallest quarterback in the league, A successful campaign in 1955 landed Kuharich "Coach of the Year" honors, followed by a losing streak.
Following Kuharich's departure, Hugh Devore was named interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement was sought.
A 56-yard field goal attempt by the Notre Dame fell short as time ran out, effectively ending the game.
However, Syracuse was penalized 15 yards for roughing the place kick holder, and Notre Dame was given a second chance despite the clock running out.
The team had gone through an unsteady 1963, ending the season at 2–10–2, due in large part to injuries plaguing starting quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.
In return for quarterback Norm Snead and defensive back Jimmy Carr, Kuharich traded away Hall of Fame and perennial Pro-Bowlers Jurgensen and Tommy McDonald.
The Eagles vied most of the season for pro football's worst record, which would have earned them the chance to draft Heisman Trophy winner O. J. Simpson No.
Three months following the 1969 NFL draft, on May 1, 1969, financially distressed owner Jerry Wolman sold the Eagles to trucking millionaire Leonard Tose.