Mike DeBord, former Tennessee offensive coordinator and a fixture in college football coaching circles, has died at the age of 69. The Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis reported his death earlier this week. DeBord's coaching career spanned nearly four decades, with a wealth of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, leaving behind a significant legacy in the sport, according to a report from WVLT.
During his time at Tennessee, from February 2015 to January 2017, DeBord boasted an 18-8 overall record alongside Coach Butch Jones. His impact was such that the Vols managed two bowl victories over Big Ten opponents under his guidance. According to Rocky Top Insider, one of DeBord's greatest accomplishments at Tennessee was the 2015 season, wherein the team achieved their second-best rushing season in program history. DeBord notoriously helped push forward a 38-31 comeback victory over Georgia, among other memorable wins during his tenure.
Tom Brady, whom DeBord coached during his time at the University of Michigan, praised his former offensive coordinator for his skill in quarterback development. "The University of Tennessee has hired a great offensive coordinator in Mike DeBord," Brady said upon DeBord's arrival at Tennessee in 2015, as reported by Vols Wire. DeBord's work significantly impacted Tennessee's quarterbacks, with Josh Dobbs throwing for impressive yardage and touchdowns during DeBord's time there.
While DeBord's last coaching role was at Kansas, it never fully materialized due to staff changes. His death, attributed to complications from a stroke he suffered back in 2021, marks the end of a journeyman coach's story who worked diligently to leave his mark on every team he coached. "He was a man of faith, an unbelievable dad, husband, grandpa, and man! For all his successes in life, he always stuck to his small town roots and never forgot where he came from," Tyler DeBord, Mike's son, wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post shared by Rocky Top Insider.
Mike DeBord’s passing has been acknowledged across the football community, with many recognizing his expertise in the sport and the influence he had on those he coached and worked with.
