After retiring as a player, Sandusky began a long coaching career. His first job was as an assistant back at Villanova in 1957. He stayed there until 1959, when he was hired by Baltimore Colts head coach Weeb Ewbank, who had been an assistant with the Browns when Sandusky played in Cleveland. He was initially the defensive line coach for the Colts, who finished Sandusky's first season with a 9–3 win–loss record and won the NFL West behind an offense led by quarterback Johnny Unitas and halfback Lenny Moore. The Colts went on to win the NFL championship over the New York Giants.