Breaking: Former Patriots Head Coach Passed Away

The world of football was hit by a devastating news on the death of former Patriots head coach Rod Rust. The former coach passed away at the age of 90. The New England Patriots released a statement on Rust’s death.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former #Patriots head coach Rod Rust, who passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 90,” the team wrote.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of former #Patriots head coach Rod Rust, who passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 90: https://t.co/ufZ2CaqYcC pic.twitter.com/MimWZwDmJd

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 24, 2018

Rust was the Patriots’ defensive coordinator from 1983 to 1987. In 1985, the team’s defense ranked third in the AFC and had a huge role in winning the AFC Championship and going for the Super Bowl XX. After being the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, Rust took the role of defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. He sure missed his old tea as he returned as head coach of New England for the 1990 season. 1990 was not as magical as the 1985 squad as the Pats went 1-15 finishing fifth in the AFC East that season.

Patriots legendary pass rusher Andre Tippett took to his Twitter account to express his grief, and used the occasion to note that the former head coach was “great football mind to be around.” Tippett had his best seasons under Rust. In the period between 1983 and 1987, Tippett totaled 65.5 sacks and two touchdowns. In 1990, Tippett played in 13 games for the Patriots and was able to total 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Very sad to hear the news of the passing of coach Rust.. He was a great football mind to be around.. RIP coach! https://t.co/vYFJQ82gBi

— Andre Tippett (@AndreTippett) October 24, 2018

The former Patriots head coach is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and played his college football at Iowa State. He also spent two years in the US Army, and became coach at high school level after serving our country. He joined the college game and spent 13 years in New Mexico, Stanford, and North Texas State. Rust was part of the Canadian Football League, too.

Legends never die.