Former Syracuse football coach Dick MacPherson passes away at age 86

Well-known for his jocularity and peppery, occasionally off-beat comments, Dick MacPherson was beloved in Syracuse for that and so much more. Heck, he likely could have been mayor if he chose to run.

Instead, he stayed on the football field and made his mark with the Orange, resurrecting a declining program and returning it to national prominence. MacPherson arrived before the 1981 season, taking over a program that had slumped through a decade of mediocrity, producing only three winning seasons. After two seasons of transition, MacPherson produced a winning team in 1983 (6-5).

By the time he left in 1990, MacPherson had compiled a 66-46-4 record, departing as the school's second-winningest coach.

Two years ago, the university honored the career of Coach Mac. Seated in a small vehicle that transported him to midfield, he joked with former Syracuse great Floyd Little as he was showered with cheers. It was his final public appearance at the school.

MacPherson died Tuesday at home in Syracuse with his family at his side, according to the university. He was 86. Cause of death was not released.

"Coach Mac and his family are part of the very fabric of Syracuse football," Orange coach Dino Babers said. "The fondness with which former players talk about him, you can tell he had a significant impact on them both as players and as people. In my interactions with Coach Mac, what really stood out was the love he had for Syracuse, this university and the football program."

In 1959, Syracuse was the undefeated national champion. Between 1967 and MacPherson's arrival, the Orange made only one bowl trip as the program dropped from the higher echelons of Division I.

In 1987, he led Syracuse to a No. 4 national ranking and an 11-0-1 mark, blemished only by a tie with Auburn in the Sugar Bowl, and was named national college coach of the year by several organizations. His career college coaching record was 111-73-5.

After leaving Syracuse, he served as head coach of the New England Patriots (1991-1993). He also was an assistant with the Denver Broncos (1967-1970) and Cleveland Browns (1978-1980). He joined the Broncos in 1967 as coach of the linebackers and defensive backs and later was defensive coordinator with Denver before leaving in 1970 to become head coach at Massachusetts.