Former Lions safety and one-time interim head coach Dick Jauron has passed away. Jauron was 74.
A fourth-round draft pick by the Lions in 1973 out of Yale, Jauron played five seasons in Detroit. He finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 1973 thanks to four INTs and two fumble recoveries, leading the NFL in interception return yards.
Following his playing career, Jauron moved into coaching. He joined the Lions as the defensive coordinator in 2004 after five seasons as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He took over as the interim head coach in Detroit for the final five games in 2005 after Steve Mariucci was fired, going 1-4. He later became the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Our condolences are with Jauron’s family and loved ones.
