Dick Jauron – NFL Head Coach & Player

Dick Jauron is a respected figure in American football, known for both his playing days and his extensive career as an NFL coach. Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Jauron made his mark as both a standout player and a sideline leader.

Playing Career

• College: Jauron attended Yale University, where he was a star running back. He earned Ivy League Player of the Year honors and was a three-time All-Ivy selection.
• NFL: Jauron was drafted in the 4th round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He played as a free safety for eight seasons in the NFL (1973–1980), spending time with both the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals.
• He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1974 as a rookie, thanks to a standout performance in the secondary.

Coaching Career

• Jauron started his coaching career as an assistant with the Buffalo Bills (1985–1986).
• He then coached with the Green Bay Packers (1986–1994), working with defensive backs and later serving as defensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–1998).
• Jauron became the head coach of the Chicago Bears (1999–2003). In 2001, he led the Bears to a 13–3 record and was named AP NFL Coach of the Year.
• He later served as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2006–2009).
• Jauron also held coordinator roles with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, primarily focusing on defense.

Notable Achievements & Facts

• AP NFL Coach of the Year (2001) with the Chicago Bears.
• Career head coaching record: 60–82.
• Renowned for his defensive expertise and player development.
• Respected throughout the league for his professionalism and leadership.

Dick Jauron's football journey spans decades and showcases his versatility and commitment to the game, making him a notable figure in NFL history both on the field and on the sidelines.

Legacy & Career Overview

Dick Jauron: A Comprehensive Biography

Dick Jauron is a respected figure in the National Football League (NFL), known for his extensive career as both a player and a coach. Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Richard Manuel Jauron has left a significant mark on the game through his intelligence, adaptability, and leadership skills on and off the field.

Early Life and College Career

Jauron’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended Swampscott High School in Massachusetts, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. His football talent earned him a scholarship to Yale University, where he became one of the Ivy League’s most celebrated athletes. At Yale, Jauron played running back and established himself as one of the top players in school history. He set school rushing records and was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press in 1972, a remarkable achievement for an Ivy League player.

NFL Playing Career

Dick Jauron was selected in the fourth round (91st overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He transitioned from running back to free safety in the NFL, showcasing his versatility and football IQ. Jauron played five seasons for the Lions (1973–1977), developing a reputation as a smart and reliable defensive back. He finished his playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals (1978–1980), amassing a total of 26 career interceptions and earning a Pro Bowl selection in
1974. Jauron’s blend of athleticism and intelligence made him a respected teammate throughout his 8-year NFL career.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Jauron quickly moved into coaching, where his deep understanding of the game became apparent. His coaching journey spans several decades and includes stints at both the collegiate and professional levels.

• Early Coaching Roles: Jauron began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at the University of Buffalo in 1985 before making the leap to the NFL with the Green Bay Packers (1986–1994), where he worked under legendary coach Mike Holmgren as a defensive backs coach.
• Defensive Coordinator: From 1995 to 1998, Jauron served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars under Tom Coughlin. He helped build a formidable defense for the young franchise, guiding them to the playoffs three times in four years, including an appearance in the 1996 AFC Championship Game.
• Chicago Bears Head Coach (1999–2003): Jauron’s first opportunity as a head coach came with the Chicago Bears. While his overall record with the Bears was 35–45, he is best remembered for the 2001 season, when he led the team to a 13–3 record and an NFC Central Division title. The Bears' defense was one of the best in the league, and Jauron was named Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year for his remarkable turnaround of the team. Despite this success, the Bears struggled to maintain consistency, and Jauron was let go after the 2003 season.
• Detroit Lions Interim Head Coach (2005): After serving as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Jauron was named interim head coach for the final five games of the 2005 season, finishing with a 1–4 record.
• Buffalo Bills Head Coach (2006–2009): Jauron was hired as the Bills’ head coach in
  2006. Over four seasons, he compiled a record of 24–
  33. Although the Bills showed flashes of improvement and competitiveness, playoff appearances eluded them during his tenure. Jauron was dismissed midway through the 2009 season after a disappointing start.
• Later Coaching Roles: Jauron continued to serve as a respected defensive coordinator and assistant coach, including stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (defensive backs coach, 2010) and the Cleveland Browns (defensive coordinator, 2011–2012). He is widely credited for improving the performance of the defensive units he oversaw.

Coaching Record and Legacy

Dick Jauron's career head coaching record in the NFL stands at 60–
82. While he never led a team to a Super Bowl, Jauron’s impact as a coach was most pronounced in his ability to develop strong defensive schemes and foster disciplined teams. His 2001 NFL Coach of the Year honor remains a highlight, reflecting his ability to maximize the potential of his roster and lead one of the league’s most surprising teams that year.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off the field, Jauron is known for his quiet demeanor, intelligence, and dignified approach to leadership. He is an Ivy League graduate with a degree from Yale, which is rare among NFL head coaches. His father, John Jauron, was also a notable football player, and Dick has spoken often about the influence of his family and education on his career.

Jauron's legacy is that of a coach who brought a cerebral approach to the game, emphasizing preparation, fundamentals, and integrity. He has influenced countless players and coaches throughout his decades in football, earning the respect of his peers for his professionalism and dedication to the sport.

Highlights and Achievements

• Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year (2001)
• Led Chicago Bears to 13–3 record and NFC Central title (2001)
• Pro Bowl selection as an NFL player (1974)
• 26 career interceptions as an NFL safety
• First-team All-American at Yale (1972)
• Yale University Athletics Hall of Fame inductee

Dick Jauron remains a respected figure in the NFL pantheon, remembered for his intelligence, adaptability, and contributions to the game as both a player and a coach.