Pro Career: Became the 14th coach in franchise history on Jan. 23, 2006. Jauron is in his third stint as an NFL head coach after serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bears (1999-2003) and as interim head coach of the Detroit Lions for the final five games of 2005.
The highlight of his Bears' tenure career came in 2001 when Chicago finished 13-3 and claimed its first division championship since 1990. Under Jauron's leadership, the 2001 Bears were 8-0 in games decided by seven points or less, and engineered five second half, come-from-behind victories. The Bears defense ranked first in the NFL in points allowed and second in rushing yards allowed. For his efforts, Jauron was selected as the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year. He was just the third coach in team history to win 13 games in a season.
The 2001 season marked the greatest single-season turnaround in team history improving from 5-11 in 2000 to 13-3. In his five seasons in Chicago, Jauron accumulated a 35-46 (.432) record. He became the first Bears coach to defeat the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field on his first two trips.
Jauron began his coaching career with the Buffalo Bills (1985, defensive backs), Green Bay Packers (1986-1994, defensive backs), and Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-98, defensive coordinator). As Jacksonville's inaugural defensive coordinator, he was instrumental in the early success of the franchise which included three playoff berths in the franchise's first four seasons and a run to the 1996 AFC Championship game. He served as the Lions' defensive coordinator from 2004-05.
Background: A three-sport (football, basketball, and baseball) standout at Swampscott (Mass.) High School. Named one of the top 10 prep athletes of the 20th Century in the state of Massachusetts by the Boston Globe. Played running back at Yale (1970-72) where, for 27 years, he held the school's career rushing mark with 2,947 yards. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 1973 draft. Played defensive back for Detroit (1973-77) and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1974 season after leading the NFC in punt return average (16.8). He finished his career with the Cincinnati Bengals (1978-1980).
Personal: Born October 7, 1950, Peoria, Ill. Dick and his wife Gail have two daughters—Kacy and Amy.