Bob Karmelowicz, who served as the Lions' defensive line coach in 2009 before retiring after the season, passed away on Saturday at the age of 60. Here is the statement the Lions released about this sad news:
"On behalf of the William Clay Ford Family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, we offer our sincere sympathies to the Karmelowicz family," said Lions President Tom Lewand.
"Bob touched many lives throughout his years of coaching and positively impacted the careers of countless players at both the collegiate and professional level. While he was only with the Lions for one season, his contributions to our team last year were greatly appreciated and he will be missed by all of us."
And here is what Gunther Cunningham had to say about Karmelowicz:
"I've had the privilege of coaching with and against 'Karm' for a long time and he was one tough guy," said Cunningham, who spent six seasons (1997-00 and 2004-05) coaching with Karmelowicz in Kansas City. "Though his coaching success on the field speaks for itself, I will always remember him for how much he loved kids, his compassion for helping kids and how much he cared for his grandkids. That will always be his lasting impression on me."
My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Karmelowicz.