INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Indianapolis Colts coach Ted Marchibroda has died at the age of 84.
The Indianapolis Colts confirmed his death Saturday.
“We are extremely saddened and mourn the loss of Ted Marchibroda,” Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay said in a statement.
“He had a proud history not just with the Colts, but also as a player, coach and broadcaster for over half a century with the NFL. Ted was an innovator and turned the Colts into an instant playoff team when he took his first head coaching role in 1975. Ted was as humble as they come, and he represented the Colts and our community with class both off the field and on. He was beloved by many, and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ann and their family.”
Marchibroda coached the Colts for nine seasons when the team was in Baltimore and Indianapolis. He coached the Baltimore Colts from 1975-1979 and the Indianapolis Colts from 1992-1995.
He led the Colts to the playoffs four times and won three AFC Eastern Division titles.
After a 10-4 record in his first season with the Colts in 1975, Marchibroda was named NFL Coach of the Year.
In 1995, he led the Colts to a 9-7 regular season record and the team made an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.
In 2000, he became the first Colts head coach to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
From 1999-2006 he served as a commentator for the Colts.
Prior to coaching, Marchibroda was an NFL quarterback and played in 30 gareer games.
He missed the 1954 season while serving in the Army.
He and his wife, Ann, had two daughters, Jodi and Lonni and two sons, Ted Jr. and Robert.
"We lost a great coach, player, and man today in our Colts family. Love you Coach Marchibroda. #OneFamily," Carlie Irsay tweeted Saturday.
We lost a great coach, player, and man today in our @Colts family. Love you Coach Marchibroda. #OneFamily pic.twitter.com/3zhrNY2l3X
— Carlie Irsay (@cirsay) January 16, 2016
RIP Ted Marchibroda. Sad day for Colts Nation pic.twitter.com/qewgFVz7iD
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 16, 2016
