Dick Jauron, a former NFL player and longtime coach who served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears for five seasons, has died at the age of 74, the Buffalo Bills originally announced Saturday morning.
Jauron, who coached the Bears from 1999-2003, also served as Buffalo's head coach from 2006-2009.
We’re saddened to learn about the passing of former Head Coach Dick Jauron. ❤️💙
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) February 8, 2025
We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time: https://t.co/EkWBaJJ9yE pic.twitter.com/JIg6Y1qTDA
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Bears head coach Dick Jauron. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family. 💙
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 8, 2025
Born in Peoria, Illinois and raised primarily in Massachusetts, Jauron played college football for Yale ahead of an eight-season NFL career as a safety for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, making the Pro Bowl in 1974.
After retiring as a player following the 1980 season, Jauron began an NFL coaching career in 1985 as a defensive backs coach with the Bills that would last through the 2012 season.
As coach of the Bears, Jauron is most remembered for leading the surprise 2001 Bears to a 13-3 record and first-round bye on the heels of the league's best defense.
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The Bears would go on to lose the NFC Divisional Round game to the Philadelphia Eagles that season, in the final game played at Soldier Field prior to a renovation that moved the Bears to Champaign for the 2002 season.
Jauron was awarded AP NFL Coach of the Year for his efforts with the 2001 Bears. Following a 7-9 campaign in 2003, Jauron was replaced by Lovie Smith.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Jauron and his family," the Bears said in a statement. "A class act and true Illinois native, Dick took great pride in representing our state, his family and proud Bears fans. On the field, his leadership guided our Bears to a division title in 2001, as he honorably earned AP NFL Coach of the Year recognition. We extend our deepest sympathies to Coach Jauron's loved ones and our sincerest condolences to all who were honored to call him Coach."
