Former Michigan football offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, Mike DeBord, has passed away at the age of 69, as confirmed by his son. DeBord had a notable coaching career, with his time at the University of Michigan being a significant part of it. He served as the Wolverines' offensive coordinator twice, notably contributing to the team's success during the Chad Henne-Mike Hart-Jake Long offensive years, and winning a national championship in 1997.
DeBord's coaching journey extended beyond Michigan, including roles at Eastern Illinois, Ball State, Colorado State, Northwestern, the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Tennessee, and Indiana. Despite departing Ann Arbor on multiple occasions, he maintained a connection to the program, even returning as an analyst in 2020 before moving on to serve as the offensive coordinator at Kansas in 2021. The news of his passing was shared by The Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis, marking a somber moment for the football community that recognized DeBord's contributions to the sport.
With a background rooted in football coaching, DeBord's legacy is remembered through his impactful tenure at the University of Michigan, where he spent a total of 11 years shaping and guiding offensive strategies. His expertise and dedication to the sport have left a lasting impression on those who had the opportunity to work with him throughout his esteemed career.