Former college, NFL assistant George DeLeone passes away at 73

49-year coaching veteran George DeLeone passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer, the Baylor football social media page confirmed. The 73-year old retired after three seasons with the Bears following the 2019 season.

Over his storied coaching career, George DeLeone spent time as an assistant and head coach across many levels of football. After starting as an offensive line coach at Southern Connecticut in 1970, he took over as head coach in 1976 on his way to a 15-24 record. As DeLeone moved forward, he became the defensive coordinator at Rutgers before switching to special teams coordinator.

By the mid 19080’s, DeLeone had worked on offense, defense and special teams, in addition to his stint as head coach. After a long tenure at Syracuse, he made his first NFL jump with the San Diego Chargers in 1997 before returning to the Orange the following season.

Over the past two decades, he jumped back and forth between the college and NFL ranks with stops at Ole Miss, Temple and Baylor mixed with NFL jobs with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns.

George’s son, Mark DeLeone, became the linebackers coach with the Detroit Lions in 2021. He has been a college and NFL coach, like his father, since 2007.

Reaction to George DeLeone news

Several former players and coaches who worked alongside George DeLeone reacted to the sad news of his passing on Wednesday morning.

David Wetzel, Baylor’s associate athletic director for football relations, spoke on social media about the impact DeLeone had in his years at Baylor under Matt Rhule.

“So thankful for the opportunity to know and work with such a fine man,” Wetzel tweeted. “His impact is legendary. And no matter what else was happening, he was not going to miss Sunday church service. RIP Coach DeLeone.”

Former Baylor defensive tackle and current assistant strength and conditioning coach Ryan Miller also provided his thoughts on the long-time coach after hearing the news.

“Coach DeLeone was called home by the Lord today,” Miller tweeted. “He had such a tremendous impact in so many lives, mine included. Coach, thank you for teaching me what it means to be tough, and regardless of your situation, to always keep fighting.”

In addition to the social media tributes, Syracuse.com remembered the coach’s time with the program, saying he “ignited a golden era for Syracuse football” as both an offensive and defensive assistant.