On Wednesday morning, the New England Patriots announced that former Head Coach Rod Rust had passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90.
From 1983-1987, Rust served as Patriots defensive coordinator, helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 1985. His defense that season ranked third in the AFC and the team went 47-32 during that span.
Following time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers in the same position, Rust would return to New England, but as head coach of the Patriots for just one season in 1990.
Rust was involved with the game of football for nearly 50 years following his two year service time in the United States Army, he worked his way up the ranks through high school and college football before landing assistant coaching positions for seven NFL teams over his career. During his career Rust worked under future NFL head coaches Marv Levy and Dick Vermeil. He coached NFL Hall of Famers “Mean” Joe Greene and Ron Shanklin at the University of North Texas.
Rust also had stints north of the border in the Canadian Football League, winning a Grey Cup with the Montreal Alouettes in 1974. His final head coaching job was in 2001, returning to the Alouettes.
Rust retired from football in 2005 at the age of 77 after spending one season as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) defensive coordinator.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
More Patriots News Headlines:
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 7/30
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 4
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Day 4 of Patriots training camp, Kayshon Boutte shines w/Drake Maye, Christian Gonzalez contract talks, and Gabe Jacas's injury mystery deepens.
Morse: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 3
By: Mark MorsePatriots training camp Day 3 notes reveal Gabe Jacas's rare injury waiver contract, plus updates on AJ Brown, Kayshon Boutte, and depth chart battles.
Monday Afternoon Patriots Notebook 7/27: Boutte Continues Making a Case, Interesting Jacas’ Contract Detail
By: Ian LoguePatriots training camp: Kayshon Boutte shines for Drake Maye, Caleb Lomu impresses, Hunter Henry's future, Gabe Jacas's contract, and A.J. Brown's health.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel’s Press Conference 7/27
By: Ian LogueHere’s the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say ahead of the start of training camp on Monday,…
