Former Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron passed away at the age of 74 on Saturday morning.
Jauron served as the team’s 14th head coach from 2006 – 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.”
Coach Jauron was also known for his time a legendary high school football, basketball and baseball player in Swampscott, MA where he was named one of the top 10 high school football players in Massachusetts history by the Boston Globe.
He went on to have a historic playing career at Yale as a running back and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. He played defensive back in the NFL from 1973-1980 with the Detroit Lions (1973-77) and Cincinnati Bengals (1978-80).
In 1974, he was named to the Pro Bowl after leading the NFC in punt return average with the Lions.
Jauron was named the AP Coach of the Year in 2001 as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
The football world mourns the loss of Richard “Dick” Jauron, a distinguished figure whose contributions as both a player and coach have left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL).
Jauron passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 74, following a brief battle with brain cancer that had metastasized to other parts of his body.
Early Life and Athletic Prowess
Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Jauron’s family relocated to Swampscott, Massachusetts, during his youth.
He attended Swampscott High School, where he showcased his athletic versatility, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His exceptional performance on the football field earned him Parade All-American honors in his senior year.
Jauron’s athletic journey continued at Yale University, where he became a standout running back for the Bulldogs. Over three seasons, he amassed 2,947 rushing yards, setting a school record that stood for decades.
His consistent excellence led to three consecutive First-Team All-Ivy League selections, making him the first Yale football player to achieve this feat.
In his senior year, he was honored as a First-Team All-American and received the Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Player of the Year.
Professional Playing Career
In the 1973 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Jauron in the fourth round. Transitioning to the safety position, he quickly made an impact, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1974.
Jauron played five seasons with the Lions before joining the Cincinnati Bengals, where he concluded his playing career in 1980. Over eight NFL seasons, he appeared in 100 games, recording 25 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Transition to Coaching
Following his playing days, Jauron seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began as a defensive backs coach with the Buffalo Bills in 1985, laying the foundation for a coaching career that would span nearly three decades.
His tenure with the Green Bay Packers from 1986 to 1994 was particularly notable; he served under three different head coaches—a testament to his coaching acumen and adaptability.
Head Coaching Tenure
Jauron’s first head coaching opportunity came with the Chicago Bears in 1999. In 2001, he led the team to a remarkable 13-3 record, securing the NFC Central Division title.
This achievement earned him the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award. Despite this success, the Bears faced challenges in subsequent seasons, leading to Jauron’s departure in 2003 with an overall record of 35-45.
He later served as the interim head coach for the Detroit Lions in 2005, before taking the helm of the Buffalo Bills from 2006 to 2009. During his tenure with the Bills, he compiled a 24-33 record.
Former Bills center Eric Wood, who was drafted by Jauron in 2009, reflected on his leadership: “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 … .”
Legacy and Personal Reflections
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jauron was remembered for his integrity, humility, and dedication to the sport.
His former players and colleagues often spoke of his calm demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence. His daughter, Kacy, paid tribute to him, stating he was “the very best … .”
Jauron’s legacy is further cemented by his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015, honoring his outstanding contributions as a player at Yale.
He is survived by his wife, Gail, and their two daughters, Kay and Amy. As the football community reflects on his life and career, Jauron is remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for the profound impact he had on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
