Richard “Dick” Jauron, a distinguished figure in American football, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 74, following a brief battle with cancer. His daughter, Kacy, honored him in a heartfelt Facebook tribute, describing him as “the very best son, brother, friend, teammate, husband, father, coach, HUMAN that we were all so lucky to love.”
Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Jauron’s athletic journey began at Swampscott High School in Massachusetts, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education at Yale University, playing as a running back for the Bulldogs. Over three seasons, he amassed 2,947 rushing yards, a school record that stood until 2000. His exceptional performance earned him First Team All-Ivy League honors each year and the Asa S. Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Player of the Year in 1972.
Selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft, Jauron transitioned to the safety position in the NFL. He played five seasons with the Lions, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1974 after leading the NFC in punt return average. He concluded his playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals, retiring after the 1980 season.
Following his playing days, Jauron embarked on a coaching career that spanned nearly three decades. He began as the defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills in 1985, followed by a similar role with the Green Bay Packers. In 1995, he became the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, contributing to their early success as an expansion team.
In 1999, Jauron was appointed head coach of the Chicago Bears. His tenure was highlighted by the 2001 season, where he led the team to a 13-3 record, earning him the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. After departing from the Bears in 2003, he served as the defensive coordinator and interim head coach for the Detroit Lions. He later became the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2006, a position he held until 2009. His coaching career also included roles with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jauron was remembered for his humility and integrity. Former Bills center Eric Wood reflected, “He set a great foundation for my career with his extensive knowledge of the NFL game and helped us develop as professionals both … .”
In 2015, Jauron’s contributions to college football were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Reflecting on this honor, he stated, “I am extremely honored to represent my family, my teammates, my coaches, and Yale University in the College Hall of Fame Class of 2015.”
Dick Jauron’s legacy in football is marked not only by his accomplishments on the field and sidelines but also by the profound impact he had on those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Gail, and their two daughters, Kacy and Amy. His passing is a significant loss to the football community and all who were fortunate to know him.
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