Former NFL Head Coach Dick Jauron Dies At 74
Former NFL Head Coach Dick Jauron was announced to have passed away Saturday morning at the age of 74. He had a 10-year NFL head coach including stints with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills. He was the interim coach after Steve Mariucci was fired following Week 13. Jauron’s career record as a head coach was 60-82.
The high watermark season of his career was 2001 when he was at the helm of the Chicago Bears. He was named the NFL Coach of the Year following a 13-3 regular season. After a first-round bye, the Chicago Bears lost 33-19 at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the only winning season he had as a head coach. How will Jauron be remembered?
Jauron’s Other NFL Experience
Jauron began his NFL journey with an eight-year playing career with the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. After his playing career came to an end in 1980, he started his coaching career as the Bills DC. He then went to the Green Bay Packers as the Defensive Backs Coach. The former head coach then received another shot to be the defensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Following a successful four-year stint in Jacksonville, he received his first chance to be a head coach with the Chicago Bears. He then made his way over to the Detroit Lions after he was fired by Chicago. After his interim stint, the Buffalo Bills gave Jauron his second head coaching opportunity. His NFL coaching career ended with a one-year stint with the Eagles as a Senior assistant and defensive backs coach before being hired as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator.
Final Thoughts
Jauron was an NFL-lifer who will be sorely missed by the league. He bounced around the league and was beloved by all the teams and coaches he came into contract with. He also became good friends with Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid when they were each coaching with the Packers. Jauron will be missed by all those he came into contact during his decades-long association with the National Football League.
