Ted Marchibroda, former Colts head coach, passes away at 84

Former Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda passed away today at the age of 84, the Colts announced.

"We are extremely saddened and mourn the loss of Ted Marchibroda," Colts owner 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 spent two different stints coaching the Colts, first with the Baltimore Colts from 1975-1979 and then with the Indianapolis Colts from 1992-1995.  During his nine seasons with the franchise, Marchibroda compiled a 71-67 record (.514) and made four playoff appearances, including in each of his first three seasons.  He won three AFC East titles and was named the league's Coach of the Year in 1975.  He led the Colts to a surprising 9-7 record and an AFC Championship game berth in 1995, and in 2000 was the first coach to be inducted in the Colts' Ring of Honor.  Marchibroda also spent time with the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills as an assistant coach, and he was the first head coach in Baltimore Ravens history as he coached them for three seasons (1996-1998).  In total, Marchibroda spent twelve seasons as a head coach and went 87-98-1 (.470).  After his coaching career, Marchibroda served as the color analyst for Colts radio broadcasts from 1999-2006.