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Former Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck dies at 69

PHOTOS: Robert Mathis' career through the years
Posted at 3:14 PM, May 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-11 16:15:28-04

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Indianapolis Colts assistant coach John Teerlinck died this week at age 69.

Teerlinck was the Colts’ defensive line coach from 2002-12, winning a championship with the team in 2006.

"Rest In Peace, John Teerlinck," Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted. "One of our sport's all-time greatest assistant coaches. And a Horseshoe guy, through-and-through."

Seven players Teerlinck coached ended up with at least 100 career sacks, according to the Colts. Those players are Bubba Baker, Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, John Randle and Neil Smith, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

The “John Teerlinck Award” is given annually to the best defensive line coach in the NFL.