When he was 27 years old, in 1958, Richard “Dick” MacPherson started a coaching career that would span 34 years and lead him from graduate assistant to NFL head coach; from the Illinois Fighting Illini to the New England Patriots. Along the way, he earned four conference titles and four Bowl Game victories (plus one tie).
Yesterday, at age 86, MacPherson passed away in Syracuse, New York, where he found the most success as a head coach.
Born on November 4, 1930 in Old Town, Maine, Richard MacPherson attended the MArtine Maritime Academy and served in the United States Air Force between 1950 and 1954.