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Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69 | Japan vs. Czechia: A World Baseball Classic Celebration of Global Baseball | FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Man City vs. Liverpool Headlines | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69 | Japan vs. Czechia: A World Baseball Classic Celebration of Global Baseball | FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Man City vs. Liverpool Headlines | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era

Sports / College Football

Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69

The football world mourns the loss of Mike DeBord, a respected coach with a long career spanning college and professional ranks, including multiple stints at the University of Michigan and time as an offensive coordinator at Tennessee. DeBo...

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Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69

Key Insights

  • **Veteran Coach:** Mike DeBord, born February 7, 1956, died at age 69 due to complications from a stroke suffered in 2021.
  • **Championship Legacy:** He served as the offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan during their 1997 national championship season.
  • **Extensive Career:** His coaching journey included roles at Michigan (multiple times), Central Michigan (Head Coach), Tennessee (Offensive Coordinator), Indiana (Offensive Coordinator), Kansas (Offensive Coordinator), Northwestern, Colorado State, Ball State, and in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears.
  • **Mentorship:** Remembered by colleagues like Tom Allen as a mentor and "one of the best men" in coaching.
  • **Family Man:** Described by his son, Tyler, as a man of faith, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who valued his small-town roots.

In-Depth Analysis

Mike DeBord's journey in football began as a player at Manchester College, where he was a four-year starter on the offensive line. After earning his master's degree from Ball State in 1981, he embarked on a coaching career that would last over four decades.

DeBord climbed the ranks through smaller colleges before landing his first Big Ten job as an offensive line coach at Northwestern in 1992. He joined Michigan's staff under Gary Moeller in 1993 and was promoted to offensive coordinator by Lloyd Carr in 1997, a pivotal year where he helped guide the Wolverines to a national championship.

His success led to his only head coaching position at Central Michigan (2000-2003). Though his record there was 12-34, he returned to Michigan under Carr in 2004, eventually reprising his role as offensive coordinator in 2006-2007.

DeBord ventured into the NFL, coaching with the Seattle Seahawks (2008-2009) and Chicago Bears (2010-2012). He later returned to the college scene, notably serving as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Tennessee (2015-2016) under Butch Jones, where he coached QB Josh Dobbs during successful seasons, and at Indiana (2017-2018) under Tom Allen.

His connection to Michigan remained strong, with returns as a sports administrator (2013-2014) and an offensive analyst under Jim Harbaugh (2020). His final coaching role was briefly as offensive coordinator at Kansas in 2021 before suffering a stroke later that year.

His son, Tyler DeBord, shared the news, stating, "He had a great sense of faith, work ethic, love for family, football, and life. His loss will be felt by many because of the impact he had on everyone he touched." Tributes came from colleagues like Tom Allen, who said, "I was Blessed (sic) to be mentored by and coach with Mike DeBord. He was one of the best men that I know in the coaching profession!"

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FAQ

- **Q: What was Mike DeBord's most notable achievement?

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- **Q: Which major college programs did Mike DeBord coach for?

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- **Q: What was the cause of Mike DeBord's death?

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Takeaways

  • **Respected Figure:** Recognize the loss of a dedicated and influential coach who contributed significantly to multiple football programs.
  • **Legacy of Mentorship:** DeBord's career highlights the importance of mentorship and dedication in the coaching profession.
  • **Impact Across Levels:** His journey from small colleges to the Big Ten, NFL, and back demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the sport.

Discussion

What are your favorite memories of Coach DeBord's time at Michigan, Tennessee, or other programs? Let us know!

*Share this article with others who appreciate the legacy of dedicated coaches!*

Sources

Source 1: Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69 Source 2: Mike DeBord, former Michigan OC and CMU head coach, dead at 69 - mlive.com Source 3: Former Tennessee Football Assistant Mike DeBord Passes Away at 69 | Rocky Top Insider

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