The football world is in mourning following the passing of former Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron at the age of 74. The Buffalo Bills confirmed on Saturday that Jauron passed away after a brief battle with cancer.
Jauron’s Coaching Legacy in the NFL
Jauron’s head coaching career spanned a decade, during which he led the Chicago Bears from 1999 to 2003. His most notable season came in 2001 when he guided the team to a remarkable 13-3 record, securing the NFC Central title and earning the AP Coach of the Year award. Despite this success, his tenure with the Bears ended after back-to-back losing seasons, leading to his dismissal in 2003. He was subsequently replaced by Lovie Smith.
Following his time in Chicago, Jauron served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2004 and later stepped in as interim head coach in 2005 after Steve Mariucci was fired. In 2006, he was appointed as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. However, postseason success remained elusive, and his time with the team ended in 2009 when he was let go mid-season.
In total, Jauron spent 10 seasons as an NFL head coach, amassing a record of 60-82. His last coaching role in the league came as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2011-2012.
A Pro Bowl Career Before Coaching
Before stepping into coaching, Jauron was a standout defensive back. He played eight seasons in the NFL, beginning with the Detroit Lions before finishing his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jauron made the Pro Bowl in 1974 and recorded 25 interceptions before retiring at the end of the 1980 season.
Jauron was also an accomplished college player at Yale University, where he excelled in multiple sports. His contributions to the game were recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Connections to Andy Reid and Other Notable Coaches
Jauron’s influence extended beyond his own coaching tenures. During his time coaching defensive backs in Green Bay, he developed a strong friendship with Andy Reid, who was then an assistant coach for the Packers. Their paths crossed again when Jauron's Bears lost to Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the 2001 playoffs.
In 1995, Jauron joined the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars as defensive coordinator under Tom Coughlin. His success in that role eventually led to his head coaching opportunity with the Bears.
A Loss Felt Across the NFL
Jauron’s passing comes shortly after another significant loss for the Chicago Bears franchise. Just two days earlier, Virginia Halas McCaskey, the longtime owner of the team and daughter of George Halas, passed away at the age of 102.
As the football community reflects on Jauron’s impact both on and off the field, tributes continue to pour in, recognizing his contributions as a player, coach, and mentor to many within the sport.