NFL

Former Swampscott star and NFL head coach Dick Jauron dies at 74

"I learned so much from him in my early pro years."

Dick Jauron claps as he watches play. Lynne Sladky/AP Photo

February 8, 2025

1 minute to read

Dick Jauron, who spent part of his childhood in Lynn and Swampscott before becoming an NFL head coach, died Saturday morning.

Jauron starred on the football field at Swampscott High and also played basketball and baseball. He continued his career at Yale University and eventually earned his place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

We’re saddened to learn about the passing of former Head Coach Dick Jauron. ❤️💙

We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time: https://t.co/EkWBaJJ9yE pic.twitter.com/JIg6Y1qTDA
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) February 8, 2025

He played for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning into NFL coaching in 1985.

Jauron spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns, serving as the Bears’ head coach from 1999-2003, Lions’ interim head coach in 2005, and Bills’ head coach from 2006-2009.

Vance Bedford (my 1st ever DB coach) informed me that Dick Jauron passed early this morning. I’ll never forget the great conversations we shared about growing up in Massachusetts to playing football as a DB. I learned so much from him in my early pro years. RIP Coach🕊️
— Jerry Azumah (@JerryAzumah) February 8, 2025

Jauron was the AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2001 with the Bears and posted a 60-82 record overall.

I'm shocked & saddened to learn of the death of Dick Jauron. Growing up in Swampscott, a kid my age had one hero. Dick. He excelled at football & studies. Breaking high school records, starring @Yale, then playing & coaching in @NFL w/ @Lions, @BuffaloBills @ChicagoBears. RIP pic.twitter.com/PYjSwxqBZE
— Mark Garfinkel (@pictureboston) February 8, 2025