Mike DeBord, Former College Football Coach, Dies at 69

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Mike DeBord, a former college football coach and offensive coordinator, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 69 due to complications from a stroke he suffered in September 2021. His son, Tyler DeBord, announced the news via Facebook, expressing profound gratitude for his father’s guidance and support throughout his life.

DeBord, born in Muncie, Indiana, in 1956, was an influential figure in college football with a coaching career that spanned over three decades. He began his playing career at Manchester College where he was a four-year starter on the offensive line and served as team captain in 1977. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching.

He held various coaching positions across numerous colleges, starting at Franklin College in 1982 and eventually coaching at esteemed programs like Ball State, Colorado State, Northwestern, and Michigan. In 1993, DeBord joined Michigan as the offensive line coach under Gary Moeller. In 1997, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, contributing to the team’s national championship victory with a roster that included future NFL stars Charles Woodson and Brian Griese.

After serving as head coach at Central Michigan from 2000 to 2003 with a record of 12-34, DeBord returned to Michigan for multiple coaching roles before moving to the NFL. He spent five seasons in the professional league, coaching with the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears.

DeBord returned to college football in 2015 as an offensive coordinator at Tennessee under Butch Jones and later joined Indiana’s coaching staff in 2017 as offensive coordinator. Though Indiana achieved a 5-7 record during his tenure, he played a crucial role in recruiting prospective players who would lead the program to bowl games in subsequent years. Indiana’s head coach Tom Allen praised him on social media following his passing, stating, “I was blessed to be mentored by and coach with Mike DeBord. He was one of the best men that I know in the coaching profession!”

In 2020, DeBord returned to Michigan as an offensive analyst and joined Kansas as their offensive coordinator in 2021. Sadly, he suffered his stroke shortly after joining the Jayhawks. Tyler DeBord highlighted his father’s character, stating, “He had a great sense of faith, work ethic, love for family, football, and life.”

DeBord’s contributions to college football have left a lasting impact on players and coaches alike. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.