Former Patriots Head Coach Ron Meyer Passes Away

On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shared sad news on Twitter that former Colts and New England Patriots head coach Ron Meyer passed away at the age of 76.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Ron Meyer: https://t.co/V6rVPz6z4O pic.twitter.com/gz6SKGh2Oq

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 6, 2017

According to the Patriots offical press release; “Meyer was named the eighth head coach of the Patriots on Jan. 15, 1982, and served as head coach for two-and-a-half seasons (1982-84). He came to New England after a successful six-year stint as head coach of Southern Methodist University.”

“Meyer took over a Patriots team that finished with a league worst 2-14 record and led the team to a 5-4 record and the team’s first playoff appearance since 1978 in the strike-shortened 1982 season. He earned AFC Coach of the Year honors for his efforts. In two-and-a-half seasons, Meyer finished with an 18-15 regular season record (.545 winning pct.).”

New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft released the following statement;

“I am sad to hear of Ron Meyer’s passing, He was a colorful head coach who was very entertaining for fans during his tenure. One of the greatest things Ron did when he was hired in 1982 was to bring us a young coach from his staff at Southern Methodist University named Dante Scarnecchia. Thirty-five years later, that hire has proven to be a lasting legacy. On behalf of the entire Patriots organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Meyer family and the many friends who are mourning his loss.”

To Patriots fans, Meyer is best remembered for his role during the infamous “Snow Plow Game” against the Miami Dolphins in 1982 when he called a timeout during wintry conditions, called for a stadium worker to clear a spot on the field for placekicker John Smith to attempt a go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter.

The kick was successful and the Patriots went on to beat the Dolphins, 3-0. The win was considered an upset as the Dolphins would go on to play in Super Bowl XVII, beating the Patriots in a grudge match along the way, but lose to the Washington Redskins in the final.

Meyer also had success after leaving New England, as he went on to coach the Indianapolis Colts from 1986-91, where he earned another AFC Coach of the Year honor in 1987, after helping turn around a 3-13 Colts team to finish 9-6 that year and win an AFC East division title.

Going to miss Ron Meyer! I was fortunate enough to meet him 10 yrs ago. It didn’t take long to realize that we were going to be really good friends! RIP Coach! Going to miss this guy!

— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) December 6, 2017

Devastated to hear the passing of my coach and great friend Ron Meyer. My mom and I loved Coach Meyer. He was a great man. Coach and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Coach Meyer!

— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) December 5, 2017