Former Michigan
One of the great leaders’: Former Michigan assistant coach Mike DeBord dead at 69
🏈 Mike DeBord: A Legacy Defined by Leadership and Loyalty
Early Journey & Michigan Glory:**
A native of Muncie, Indiana, DeBord began his coaching career in 1982 after playing offensive line at Manchester College. He joined the University of Michigan staff in 1993, initially as offensive line coach, and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1997 — a pivotal year that saw Michigan go undefeated and win a share of the national championship .
Head Coach & Recruiter:
From 2000–2003, DeBord served as head coach at Central Michigan University, compiling a 12–34 record. Although his tenure wasn’t marked by on-field dominance, his strong recruiting efforts helped lay the groundwork for the program’s future success .
Return to Michigan & NFL Stints:
DeBord returned to Michigan in various roles—from special teams recruiter to offensive coordinator—before moving to the NFL. He coached with the Seattle Seahawks (2008–09) and Chicago Bears (2010–12) .
Later Career and Final Roles:
After NFL stops, DeBord coached at Tennessee (2015–16) and Indiana (2017–18), led outreach in the Alliance of American Football, and served again at Michigan as an offensive analyst in 2020. He was briefly named offensive coordinator at Kansas in 2021 but didn’t coach due to staff turnover .
From Those He Inspired
Jon Jansen, a two-time Michigan captain, reflected:
He cared about you as a player and 100 % attribute a ton of my success … He was one of the best men I have ever known.”
Central Michigan AD Herb Deromedi praised DeBord’s leadership, saying he was “an excellent coach, but … even a better person,” and noted his loyalty and ability to build strong relationships .
A Lasting Impact
DeBord’s contributions left an enduring mark—from Michigan’s glory days in the late ’90s to nurturing future stars at CMU, Tennessee, Indiana, and in the NFL. Beyond wins and losses, he is remembered as a dedicated mentor and family man. His passing leaves a lasting void, but his influence lives on in the countless athletes and coaches he guided.
Remembering Mike
Born: February 7, 1956 (Muncie, Indiana)
Died: April 15, 2025 (aged 69) — complications from a 2021 stroke
Career Highlights:
Played OL at Manchester College; began coaching in 1982
Michigan offensive coordinator in 1997, 2006–07
Named The Sporting News National Assistant Coach of the Year in 1997
Head coach at Central Michigan (2000–03)
NFL coaching with Seattle and Chicago
Coaching roles at Tennessee, Indiana, Kansas, and Michigan (as analysts)
Mike DeBord’s journey through the ranks of college and professional football exemplified dedication, compassion, and mentorship. He will be deeply missed by the football community and the many lives he shaped.
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