Richard “Dick” Jauron was an American professional football player and coach, known for his significant contributions both on the field as a safety and on the sidelines as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL).
Early Life and Education
Born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, Jauron moved to Massachusetts during his youth. He attended Swampscott High School in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. His exceptional performance on the football field earned him Parade All-American honors in his senior year.
Jauron’s athletic prowess led him to Yale University, where he played as a running back for the Bulldogs. Over three seasons, he amassed 2,947 rushing yards, setting a school record that stood until 2000. He was a three-time First-team All-Ivy League selection and earned First-team All-American honors in his senior year. In 1972, he received the Asa S. Bushnell Award as the Ivy League Player of the Year. Beyond football, Jauron was also a three-time letter winner in baseball at Yale
Personal Life and Family
Jauron was married to his wife, Gail, and the couple had two daughters, Kay and Amy. He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to his family. Former players and colleagues have expressed their condolences, highlighting his professionalism and the positive impact he had on their careers.
Throughout his life, Jauron was remembered as a sincere family man and a true gentleman by his peers and former players. His legacy in professional football is marked by his dedication, leadership, and the respect he garnered from peers and players alike. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the NFL community.
Dick Jauron’s journey from a standout athlete to a respected coach exemplifies a life dedicated to football and family. His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and the many who followed his storied career.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Manual Jauron |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Date of Death | February 8, 2025 |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly available |
| Spouse | Gail Jauron |
| Children | Daughters: Kay and Amy |
| Education | Yale University |
| Playing Career | Detroit Lions (1973–1977), Cincinnati Bengals (1978–1980) |
| Coaching Career | See coaching tenure sections above |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated between $1 million to $5 million (exact figures not publicly disclosed) |
Professional Playing Career
In the 1973 NFL Draft, Jauron was selected in the fourth round by the Detroit Lions. Opting for football over a potential baseball career—having been drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as a shortstop—he made an immediate impact in the NFL. Starting as a free safety in his rookie year, Jauron earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1974 after leading the NFC in punt return average. He played five seasons with the Lions before joining the Cincinnati Bengals, where he concluded his playing career in 1980. Over eight NFL seasons, Jauron recorded 25 interceptions and scored two touchdowns.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Roles
Transitioning from player to coach, Jauron began his coaching career in 1985 as the defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. He then served in the same capacity for the Green Bay Packers from 1986 to 1994, working under head coaches Forrest Gregg, Lindy Infante, and Mike Holmgren. In 1995, Jauron became the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, contributing to the team’s playoff appearances in three of his four seasons, including an AFC Championship Game in 1996.
Head Coaching Tenure
Chicago Bears
In 1999, Jauron was appointed as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. His tenure peaked in 2001 when he led the team to a 13–3 record, securing the NFC Central division title. This remarkable turnaround earned him the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award.
Despite the successful regular season, the Bears were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jauron remained with the Bears until 2003, concluding his tenure with a 35–45 record.
Detroit Lions
After his stint with the Bears, Jauron joined the Detroit Lions as their defensive coordinator in 2004. Following the mid-season dismissal of head coach Steve Mariucci in 2005, Jauron served as the interim head coach for the final five games, finishing with a 1–4 record. He was considered for the permanent head coaching position but was ultimately passed over in favor of Rod Marinelli.
Buffalo Bills
In 2006, Jauron was named the head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Over three full seasons, he led the team to consecutive 7–9 records. The 2008 season began promisingly with a 5–1 start, but the team struggled in the latter half, finishing 7–9. Jauron was dismissed midway through the 2009 season after a 3–6 start.
Later Coaching Roles
Following his tenure with the Bills, Jauron served as the senior assistant and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. He then became the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 2011 to 2012. Throughout his coaching career, Jauron was respected for his defensive acumen and leadership.
Dick Jauron’s Career Overview
| Position | Team(s) | Years | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player (Safety) | Detroit Lions | 1973–1977 | Pro Bowl selection in 1974, 25 career interceptions |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 1978–1980 | 2 touchdowns, 25 career interceptions | |
| Assistant Coach (Defensive Backs) | Buffalo Bills | 1985–1989 | Developed a strong defensive backfield, team made playoffs in 1988 |
| Green Bay Packers | 1986–1994 | Helped the Packers to Super Bowl XXXI victory and multiple playoff appearances | |
| Defensive Coordinator | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1995–1998 | Key contributor to the Jaguars’ defensive success and their 1996 AFC Championship Game |
| Head Coach | Chicago Bears | 1999–2003 | Led the Bears to a 13–3 record in 2001 and won NFL Coach of the Year award |
| Defensive Coordinator | Detroit Lions | 2004 | Interim head coach in 2005, stepping in after coaching change |
| Head Coach | Buffalo Bills | 2006–2009 | Worked to rebuild the Bills, emphasized discipline and defense |
| Senior Assistant/Defensive Backs Coach | Philadelphia Eagles | 2010 | Supported Eagles’ defense with a wealth of experience in secondary coaching |
| Defensive Coordinator | Cleveland Browns | 2011–2012 | Contributed to the Browns’ defense while mentoring young players |
Latest News
On February 8, 2025, the sports world mourned the loss of Dick Jauron, former NFL player and head coach, who passed away at the age of 74 after a brief battle with brain cancer. Jauron’s distinguished career included playing as a safety for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1974. Transitioning to coaching, he led the Chicago Bears to a 13–3 season in 2001, securing the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. He also served as head coach for the Buffalo Bills and held various coaching positions with other NFL teams. Jauron is remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for his integrity and leadership off the field. He is survived by his two daughters, Kay and Amy.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Not available | Dick Jauron did not maintain public social media profiles. |
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kilograms), Jauron had an athletic build typical of professional football players of his era. His physicality and agility contributed to his success as a safety in the NFL.
Net Worth as of 2025
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates of Dick Jauron’s net worth range between $1 million to $5 million. This wealth was accumulated through his extensive career in the NFL as both a player and coach.
Dick Jauron’s legacy in professional football is marked by his dedication, leadership, and the respect he garnered from peers and players alike. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the NFL community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dick Jauron
1. Who is Dick Jauron?
Dick Jauron was a former NFL player and coach, known for his time as a safety for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as his coaching career with the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and other teams.
2. What teams did Dick Jauron coach?
Dick Jauron served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears (1999-2003) and Buffalo Bills (2006-2009). He also held assistant coaching roles with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns.
3. What is Dick Jauron’s most notable coaching achievement?
Jauron’s most notable achievement came in 2001, when he led the Chicago Bears to a 13-3 season and won the NFL Coach of the Year award.
4. What was Dick Jauron’s playing career like?
Dick Jauron played as a safety in the NFL for the Detroit Lions (1973-1977) and Cincinnati Bengals (1978-1980), earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1974.
5. What is Dick Jauron’s legacy in the NFL?
Dick Jauron is remembered for his leadership, integrity, and contributions as both a player and a coach in the NFL. His coaching style and success in rebuilding teams left a lasting impact on the league.
