Dick Jauron, who served as both a player and coach for the Lions, passed away at the age of 74.
Dick Jauron, a former NFL safety and coach, passed away at the age of 74 on Saturday morning following a protracted battle with cancer, according to numerous reports.
The Detroit Lions selected Jauron in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. In 1974, he was selected as a punt returner for the Pro Bowl, following his runner-up finish for Defensive Rookie of the Year (four interceptions and five fumble recoveries). In 58 games over the course of five seasons with the Lions, he recorded 14 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, and a punt return average of 10.1 yards. The Cincinnati Bengals were his team of choice for the final three seasons of his playing tenure (1978-1980).
Jauron’s coaching tenure was considerably more prominent. As the Buffalo Bills’ defensive backs coach, he began his career in 1985. He secured his initial defensive coordinator position with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, following a lengthy tenure with the Green Bay Packers (1986-1994).
In 1999, Jauron was appointed as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. During his five seasons as the Bears’ head coach, he compiled a 35-45 record, with a 13-3 season in 2001 earning him the AP Coach of the Year award.
In 2004, Jauron was reinstated as the defensive coordinator for the Lions by head coach Steve Mariucci. He concluded the 2005 season as the interim head coach following Mariucci’s dismissal, achieving one victory in five games. Jauron was not retained when Rod Marinelli was appointed as head coach in 2006.
Dick Jauron, a former Lions player and coach, passed away at the age of 74.
Jauron’s passing was announced by the Lions in a statement.
“The Detroit Lions extend their condolences to the NFL community on the passing of Dick Jauron.”
“Jauron played as a standout defensive back for the Lions for five years, during which time he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1974. He was originally draughted by Detroit in 1973…” Before serving as interim head coach to conclude the 2005 season, he returned to the franchise as defensive coordinator from 2004-05.
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