Former Lions head coach Darryl Rogers dies at age 83

Former Detroit Lions head coach Darryl Rogers passed away this Wednesday at the age of 83. Rogers was the Lions’ head coach from 1985 until he was fired during the middle of the 1988 season. Prior to landing the Lions job, Rogers was also the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, earning a 24-18-2 record in East Lansing from 1976 to 1979.

Rogers died in his sleep on Wednesday in Fresno, California.

Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford released the following statement Wednesday evening:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Darryl. On behalf of me, my family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to his wife, Marsha, and the Rogers family.”

In his four years in Detroit, Rogers accumulated a record of 18-40. After he was fired in 1988, the Lions promoted Rogers’ defensive coordinator: Wayne Fontes. Fontes would go on to have a moderately successful reign as the Lions coach, earning a 66-67 record and four playoff appearances over in just over eight seasons.

We wish the Rogers family peace during this difficult time.