Dick Jauron

Who is Dick Jauron?

Dick Jauron is a former American football player and coach, best known for his contributions to the NFL as both a defensive back and a head coach. With a career spanning decades, Jauron played for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals before transitioning into coaching. His leadership was instrumental in guiding teams like the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills, earning him recognition as an insightful and strategic coach. Throughout his tenure in football, he demonstrated a strong understanding of the game, making a lasting impact on players and teams alike.

Early Life and Education

Richard Manuel Jauron, widely known as Dick Jauron, was born on October 7, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois. Growing up in a sports-loving family, Jauron showed an early passion for football. He attended Swampscott High School in Massachusetts, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. Jauron was a standout running back and defensive back, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented players in his high school’s history.

After graduating from high school, Jauron pursued higher education at Yale University, where he continued to shine as a football player. Playing as a running back for the Yale Bulldogs, he achieved remarkable success, earning All-Ivy League honors and recognition as one of the best players in the league. His intelligence and discipline on and off the field helped shape his future both as a player and a coach. Jauron graduated from Yale in 1973 with a degree in history, a testament to his commitment to both academics and athletics.

Personal Life

Dick Jauron is known for his reserved and humble personality, preferring to keep his personal life away from the public eye. His strong work ethic and dedication to football have been defining traits throughout his career. Outside of football, Jauron has a passion for history and literature, often spending his free time reading and learning about historical events.

Despite his involvement in professional football for decades, Jauron has maintained a low-profile personal life. He is regarded as a man of integrity and discipline, known for his ability to handle pressure with composure. His reserved nature has contributed to his reputation as a respected leader among players, coaches, and analysts in the football world.

Family

Jauron has been married for several years and has children, though he has kept details about his family largely private. He has always emphasized the importance of family values and has spoken about the influence of his parents and siblings in shaping his character. His family has supported him throughout his career, from his days as a player to his transition into coaching.

Throughout his time in the NFL, Jauron’s family has been a source of strength and stability. Despite the demands of coaching at the highest level, he has managed to maintain a balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life. His commitment to family has played a crucial role in his approach to leadership and mentorship within the football community.

Detailed Bio Table

Career

Playing Career (1973–1980)

After graduating from Yale, Jauron was selected in the fourth round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He played as a safety and quickly became an integral part of the team’s defense. Jauron’s intelligence, agility, and keen understanding of the game allowed him to excel in the safety position, earning him recognition as a reliable and consistent player.

During his five seasons with the Detroit Lions (1973–1977), Jauron became known for his ability to read plays and make crucial tackles. In 1974, he earned Pro Bowl honors, highlighting his impact as one of the top defensive backs in the league. Following his tenure with the Lions, he spent the final three seasons of his playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals (1978–1980), where he continued to contribute as a dependable defensive presence. After the 1980 season, Jauron retired from professional football as a player, transitioning into coaching.

Early Coaching Career (1985–1998)

Jauron began his coaching career in 1985 as a defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. His strong analytical skills and ability to develop players quickly gained attention, leading to coaching positions with several NFL teams. In 1986, he joined the Green Bay Packers as a defensive backs coach, a role he held for several years.

By 1995, Jauron was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played a significant role in improving the team’s defense. Under his leadership, the Jaguars developed into a competitive team, earning multiple playoff appearances. His success as a defensive coordinator paved the way for his first opportunity as a head coach.

Dick Jauron’s Coaching Seasons in the NFL

Dick Jauron spent multiple seasons as a head coach and assistant coach in the NFL, most notably with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills. His tenure in the league saw highs and lows, with playoff appearances, rebuilding efforts, and interim coaching stints. Below is a season-by-season breakdown of his key years as a head coach.

Head Coaching Record

Season-by-Season Breakdown

Chicago Bears (1999–2003)

• 1999 Season (6–10, 5th in NFC Central)
  • Jauron’s first season saw struggles, including inconsistent quarterback play.
• 2000 Season (5–11, 5th in NFC Central)
  • The team continued rebuilding, finishing last in the division.
• 2001 Season (13–3, 1st in NFC Central, Lost in Divisional Round)
  • Best season under Jauron. The Bears, led by a dominant defense, won the NFC Central.
  • Lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs.
  • Jauron won NFL Coach of the Year.
• 2002 Season (4–12, 4th in NFC North)
  • Injuries and offensive struggles caused a massive drop-off from the previous season.
• 2003 Season (7–9, 3rd in NFC North, Fired after season)
  • Jauron was dismissed after another losing season.

Detroit Lions (2005, Interim Coach)

• Took over after Steve Mariucci was fired midseason.
• Finished 1–4 in the final five games.
• Did not retain the head coaching role after the season.

Buffalo Bills (2006–2009)

• 2006 Season (7–9, 3rd in AFC East)
  • First year in Buffalo. Showed promise but failed to reach the playoffs.
• 2007 Season (7–9, 2nd in AFC East)
  • Defense improved, but offensive struggles persisted.
• 2008 Season (7–9, 4th in AFC East)
  • Started 5–1 but collapsed in the second half of the season.
• 2009 Season (3–6, Fired midseason)
  • Fired after a 3–6 start. Perry Fewell took over as interim coach.

Recent Matches (as Head Coach)

Popular & Legendary Matches (as Head Coach)

Career Coaching Record

Career as an NFL Player (Defensive Back)

Achievements

Latest News on Dick Jauron

As of 2025, there are no recent news stories involving Dick Jauron. Since his last coaching role with the Cleveland Browns in 2012, he has largely remained out of the public eye. However, his legacy as a respected coach and player continues to be discussed in sports circles, especially when analyzing coaching strategies and past NFL seasons.

Physical Appearance

Dick Jauron stands at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters). During his playing days, he maintained an athletic physique suitable for his role as a defensive back. Even post-retirement, Jauron has retained a strong and commanding presence, with short gray hair and a composed demeanor that reflects his years of experience in the NFL.

Social Media Accounts

Dick Jauron is known for his private and reserved nature. He does not have active official social media accounts. However, fans and analysts discuss his contributions on various platforms such as NFL forums and sports networks.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Dick Jauron’s estimated net worth is around $8 million. His wealth has primarily been accumulated through his playing and coaching career in the NFL. With head coaching salaries reaching multimillion-dollar figures and additional earnings from consultancy roles and media appearances, Jauron has maintained financial stability post-retirement.