Ted Marchibroda, Former Colts and Ravens Head Coach, Dies at Age 84

Baltimore lost one of the greatest coaches in history when we learned that Ted Marchibroda passed away on Saturday.

Like his successors, Marchibroda would have some of his assistants go on to be head coaches, as Kirk Ferentz, Pat Hill, Mike Pettine, Jim Schwartz, Ken Whisenhunt, and Marvin Lewis served on the Ravens coaching staff during Marchibroda’s tenure. In 2012, as the Patriots began to use the no-huddle offense more often, Belichick credited Marchibroda as the coach who taught him how to speed up an offense.

Marchibroda is best known for his coaching career in various capacities, which included serving as the head coach of the Baltimore Colts (1975-79), Indianapolis Colts (1992-95) and Baltimore Ravens (1996-98). “Ted was an innovator and turned the Colts into an instant playoff team when he took his first head coaching role in 1975”.

Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts talks with former coach Ted Marchibroda before the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 30, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was beloved by many, and will be sorely missed.

Marchibroda led the Colts to playoff berths in his first three seasons with the club and kept Belichick along for the ride. In 1995, Marchibroda guided the Colts to a 9-7 regular season record, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. Marchibroda played a season for the Steelers before leaving to serve a year in the United States Army.

Marchibroda also coached for the Redskins, Eagles and Lions, among others; he finished his coaching career with the Steelers and Cardinals.

Ted and his wife, Ann, had four children, Ted Jr., Jodi, Lonni and Robert.

A good college quarterback at St. Bonaventure and the University of Detroit, Marchibroda was the fifth overall pick in the 1953 National Football League draft.