Chuck Fairbanks
Posted on 04/02/2013 7:18:56 PM PDT by massmike
Former New England Patriots coach Chuck Fairbanks died of brain cancer on Tuesday, according to the team. He was 79.
Fairbanks coached the Patriots from 1973-78, leading the franchise to some of its greatest success by the end of his tenure, including two playoff berths. The Patriots were 3-11 prior to his arrival and went 11-3, 9-5 and 11-5 over his final three seasons.
Fairbanks' Patriots legacy has been widely discussed, in part because of how his time with the franchise ended, with Fairbanks ultimately becoming head coach at Colorado in 1978. But most agree the foundation created by Fairbanks was instrumental, as a big part of his success came in drafting top-notch players, including offensive lineman John Hannah, linebacker Steve Nelson, tight end Russ Francis and cornerback Mike Haynes, among others.
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.go.com ...
Chuck Fairbanks
Damn. I hope to die at 79. With them saying I helped kill Cancer.
Happy Easter!
wow he and Jack Pardee go out together
Was he related to Vice President Charles Fairbanks (for whom Fairbanks, Alaska, was named)?
Of course those of a certain age will remember the classic 1971 Oklahoma-Nebraska game. If I remember correctly Oklahoma got hit with some NCAA penalty’s that occured while he was at Oklahoma but he was gone when the penalties were served which included Oklahoma having to go an entire season with no bowl games and no tv appearances. I can’t imagine that happening to anyone nowadays. His pro career was not so great but he had some great years at Oklahoma.
Who will be the third one?
Good coach. RIP
He really brought back Oklahoma in the late 60’s-early 70’s after they started to slip after Bud Wilkinson left. People forget that Nebraska was the Big 8 power in the 60’s and 70’s, and even Kansas and Missouri won Big 8 titles in that span...with Colorado and Kansas State fielding decent teams. Fairbanks brought the Sooners back to elite status...and set the foundation for the ‘74 and ‘75 Natl Champs under Barry Switzer
RIP.
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