Courtesy of Yale Athletics
Former Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills Head Coach Dick Jauron passed away on Saturday at the age of 74. Jauron died after a battle with cancer.
Jauron was known for his career as an NFL coach but around these parts, he was remembered as one of the best high school players in Massachusetts history at Swampscott High School and for his time at Yale where he rushed for 2,947 career yards, a record that stood until 2000.
Jauron was a proud Swampscott alumnus
After graduating from college, Jauron was selected in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He was also drafted as a shortstop by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 25th round of the 1973 MLB draft.
Jauron decided to play professional football and chose the NFL. He started at free safety as a rookie for the Lions. He was named to the 1975 Pro Bowl in his second season after leading the NFC in punt return average. Jauron played with the Lions for five seasons (1973–1977) and the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons (1978–1980). He finished his playing career with 25 interceptions and two touchdowns.
He began his lengthy coaching career in 1985 as the defensive backs coach of the Buffalo Bills. After one season with the Bills, Jauron was hired as the defensive backs coach for the Green Bay Packers. He worked with the team for eight seasons, under three different head coaches in Forrest Gregg, Lindy Infante, and Mike Holmgren.
Jauron became the defensive coordinator for the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995 under Tom Coughlin. After spending four seasons in Jacksonville, Jauron was named head coach of the Bears in 1999. After four seasons, he was let go and became the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. He would serve as interim head coach in 2005.
Jauron would get another shot to be a head coach with the Buffalo Bills. He coached the Bills from 2006 to 2009. He would spend 2010 working for Andy Reid as a senior advisor and defensive back coach. Jauron’s final two seasons coaching were in 2011 and 2012 in Cleveland.
Jauron lived an incredible football life and he leaves behind quite a legacy. He will be remembered for the countless players and coaches he influenced..
On and off the field, Jauron’s contributions are immeasurable. That is how he will be remembered by family, friends, teammates and his players.