Former Lions safety and coach Dick Jauron dies at age 74

According to multiple reports on Saturday morning, former NFL safety and coach Dick Jauron has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.

Jauron was drafted by the Detroit Lions in fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He was runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year (four interceptions and five fumble recoveries), then he made the Pro Bowl as a punt returner in 1974. Over five seasons with the Lions, he played 58 games with 14 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, and a 10.1-yard punt return average. He spent the final three seasons of his playing career (1978-1980) with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Jauron was far better known for his coaching career. In 1985, he got his start as the defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. After a long stint (1986-1994) in the same role with the Green Bay Packers, he got his first defensive coordinator job with the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995.

Jauron got his first head coaching job with the Chicago Bears in 1999. He had a 35-45 record over five seasons as the Bears' head coach, highlighted by a 13-3 season in 2001 when he won AP Coach of the Year.

Jauron returned to the Lions as defensive coordinator under head coach Steve Mariucci in 2004. He finished the 2005 as the interim head coach after Mariucci was fired, with one win in five games. When Rod Marinelli was hired as head coach in 2006, Jauron was not retained.

Jauron then returned to the Bills as their head coach in 2006. Over three-plus seasons there, he had a 24-33 record. From there he served as a senior defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles (2010) and as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (2011-2012).

Former Lions player, coach Dick Jauron has died at the age of 74

The Lions posted a statement about Jauron's passing.

"The Detroit Lions join the NFL community in mourning the passing of Dick Jauron."

"Originally drafted by Detroit in 1973, Jauron enjoyed a five-year playing career as a standout defensive back with the Lions that included a Pro Bowl selection in 1974. He returned to the franchise as defensive coordinator from 2004-05 before serving as interim head coach to conclude the 2005 season."