Former Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74.
Jauron served as the Bills’ 14th head coach from 2006 to 2009, having initially started his coaching career in Buffalo in 1985 as a defensive backs coach under Hank Bullough.
Reflecting on Jauron’s impact, former Bills center Eric Wood, who was drafted in the first round by Jauron in 2009, expressed his gratitude: “I was very fortunate to start my NFL career with Dick Jauron as my first head coach. He laid a strong foundation for my career with his deep understanding of the game and helped us grow as professionals both on and off the field. Coach Jauron was a kind and thoughtful family man, as well as a true gentleman. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”
Jauron was also a standout high school athlete in Swampscott, Massachusetts, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. The *Boston Globe* recognized him as one of the top 10 high school football players in Massachusetts history. He continued his athletic success at Yale as a running back, earning induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
His professional playing career spanned from 1973 to 1980 as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions (1973-77) and the Cincinnati Bengals (1978-80). He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1974 after leading the NFC in punt return average while playing for the Lions.
As a head coach, Jauron was named AP Coach of the Year in 2001 while leading the Chicago Bears.