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Former Lions head coach Darryl Rogers passes away at 83

Detroit Lions 2016 Schedule

The Michigan sports scene lost a true legend on Wednesday with the news that former Detroit Lions and Michigan State Spartans head coach Darryl Rogers has passed away at the age of 83.

The Rogers family confirmed his death, at which point Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford released this statement.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Darryl. On behalf of me, my family and the entire Detroit Lions organization, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to his wife, Marsha, and the Rogers family,” Ford said, via the team’s official website.

Rogers career as the Lions’ coach started in 1985 and continued through 11 games of the 1988 campaign. He posted an 18-40 record during that span.

Prior to that, Rogers was the head coach of Arizona State, Michigan State, San Jose State and Fresno State in what was a 20-year college career.

Following his death, Accolades came pouring in from those close to Rogers.

“His passing is disappointing,” MLB Hall of Famer Kirk Gibson told the Detroit Free Press. “But I can tell you I feel so good about Darryl. The great talks, the great closure. His spirit is so powerful that he’ll continue to work magic with us all.”

Prior to his baseball career, Gibson starred under Rogers as a wide receiver for the Spartans.

Obviously, this has hit home big time for sports fans and figures in the Michigan area. Our thoughts go out to Rogers’ family, the entire Lions’ organization and those close to him.

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