Dick Jauron Signs Extension
Bills Head Coach to Stay in Buffalo Through 2011
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Given that he’s the fourth Bills coach since the legendary Marv Levy retired in 1997, some Bills fans are relieved that the coaching carousel won’t take another spin should the Bills fail to make the playoffs. Other fans wish that the front office had waited for Jauron to prove himself by securing a playoff berth before offering him a new deal.
For Bills fans that are undecided, here’s a look at Dick Jauron’s overall coaching history.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Backs Coach
Funny enough, Jauron’s coaching career kicked off in Buffalo, under then coach Hank Bullough. His first tenure with the Bills lasted only one season, as he moved on just before Marv Levy took the helm.
Jauron’s next stop was with the Green Bay Packers, where he served in the same position, but gained a wealth of experience and the professional camaraderie that would aide him later on. With the Packers, he served under the likes of Forest Gregg, Lindy Infante and Mike Holmgren. Among his co-workers were assistants who went on to become notable Head Coaches, including Steve Mariucci, Jon Gruden and Andy Reid.
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator
When the NFL expanded to install a team in Jacksonville, he took on the role of Defensive Coordinator under Tom Coughlin. Jauron had enough success in this key position to catch the attention of other NFL franchises. He also had a hand in leading the Jaguars to the AFC Championship game in 1996.
Chicago Bears Head Coach
In 1998, Jauron’s hard work paid off when he replaced the dismissed Dave Waanstedt as Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. Though he finished his first few seasons below .500, he led the team to a 13-3 record in 2001. The Bears would lose their first playoff game when Jauron went head-to-head with his former Green Bay comrade Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Making the playoffs, not to mention winning the NFL Coach of the Year award, secured him a contract extension, but he was unable to duplicate the success of the 2001 season. He was fired as Head Coach of the Bears in 2003.
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
His former Packers colleague Steve Mariucci gave Jauron a job as Defensive Coordinator of the Detroit Lions, the same team for whom Jauron played the Safety position in the 70s.
When Mariucci was fired mid-way through the 2004 season, Jauron was promoted to interim-Head Coach, where he earned a 1-4 record. Though he interviewed for the Head Coaching vacancy, he was passed over for Rod Marinelli.
Buffalo Bills Head Coach
Upon the abrupt departure of then Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey, Jauron was hired as the Head Coach of the Bills. General Manager Marv Levy chose Jauron over Mike Sherman, after having noticed Jauron’s coaching style in Chicago.
In each of his first two seasons, Jauron went 7-9. In the 2007 season, the team was decimated by injuries, and had 17 players on injured reserve. Despite this, the Bills were still in the playoff conversation up until Christmas.
Buffalo Bills Contract Extension
As it stands, Jauron is at 5-3, with a key divisional matchup this weekend against the New England Patriots. Bills fans still seem concerned about this calm and calculating coach, and might not believe in success until they see it.
Jauron’s track record might shed some light on whether or not the Bills have advanced on an easy schedule, or if the team is for real.
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