Former Michigan football offensive coordinator Mike DeBord passed away at the age of 69, as confirmed by a Michigan football spokesperson. DeBord, born in Muncie, Indiana in 1956, had a successful football career that began at Manchester College and included coaching positions at various colleges and in the NFL. He played a key role in guiding the Wolverines to their first national championship in nearly 50 years during his tenure as offensive coordinator from 1997 to 1999.
DeBord also served as head coach at Central Michigan and held coaching positions at Tennessee, Indiana, and in the Alliance of American Football before returning to Ann Arbor for various coaching roles. His contributions to football were widely recognized, with former colleagues praising his mentorship and character in the coaching profession. DeBord's coaching journey came to a tragic end in 2021 when he suffered a stroke, marking the conclusion of a remarkable career that spanned college and professional football.