Former NFL player and coach Dick Jauron has died at the age of 74.
Dick Jauron was originally drafted by Detroit in 1973 where he played for five years as a defensive back with the Lions, which included a Pro Bowl selection in 1974.
He worked as a defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2004 until 2005 when he began serving as interim head coach to conclude the 2005 season.
Jauron served as the Buffalo Bills’ head coach from 2006 until 2009. Jauron also began his coaching career with Buffalo in 1985 as a defensive backs coach under Hank Bullough.
“I was very fortunate to start my NFL career with Dick Jauron as my first head coach,” said Eric Wood, a former Bills center who was drafted in the first round by Jauron in 2009. “He set a great foundation for my career with his extensive knowledge of the NFL game and helped us develop as professionals both on and off the field. Coach Jauron was a sincere and thoughtful family man and a true gentleman. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”
Jauron was named the AP Coach of the Year in 2001 as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
The Detroit Lions join the NFL community in mourning the passing of Dick Jauron.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 8, 2025
Originally drafted by Detroit in 1973, Jauron enjoyed a five-year playing career as a standout defensive back with the Lions that included a Pro Bowl selection in 1974. He returned to the franchise… pic.twitter.com/LIPtaDeABB
