NFL Fans Saddened By Death Of Longtime Defensive Coordinator
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 26: A general view of the stadium during the first quarter during the Green Bay Packers v New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 26, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Former NFL defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell died on Wednesday at the age of 78.
Sidwell was best known for his nine-year stint with the New Orleans Saints in which he helped develop the famous Dome Patrol defense in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition to his time in New Orleans, Sidwell held defensive coordinator roles with the Houston Oilers, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. He coached in the NFL for a total of 22 years and also worked for 16 years at the college level.
"The defensive coordinator I grew up with as a Saints fan. The wheels behind the Dome Patrol," one fan said.
"Excellent coach, great guy, special family," another fan said.
Another fan called Sidwell the "best defensive coordinator in Saints history."
Sidwell joined the New Orleans coaching staff in 1986, when he was brought in by then-head coach Jim Mora. The defense was dominant during his run as coordinator, ranking in the top five in both pass and run defense over multiple seasons.
The Saints led the league in opponent points per game for two seasons in a row, as well as in run defense for one season.
Perhaps most importantly, the Saints were able to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their history under Sidwell, including three consecutive appearances in the early 1990s.
