He played wide receiver at Eastern Illinois University from 1970 to 1974 and was roommates with Mike Shanahan.
Prior to that, he held positions in college football as Duke University's offensive coordinator, Rice University's offensive coordinator, Cal State Fullerton's offensive coordinator, the University of Florida wide receivers' coach, North Texas State's quarterbacks coach, and the U.S. Air Force Academy' wide receivers' coach.
At Tennessee, Heimerdinger coached players such as Steve McNair, Eddie George, Derrick Mason, and Hall of Fame lineman Bruce Matthews.
He helped Head Coach Jeff Fisher lead the Titans to the playoffs in 2000, 2002, and 2003.
[2] On February 8, 2011, Heimerdinger was fired by newly hired head coach Munchak.