John Teerlinck, former Detroit Lions defensive line coach in ‘90s, dies at 69

ALLEN PARK -- John Teerlinck, a former Detroit Lions defensive line coach in the 1990s, died this past weekend. He was 69.

While Teerlinck was in Detroit for two seasons across 1995-1996, he won two Super Bowl championships while coaching the defensive line in Denver and then another in Indianapolis. Colts owner Jim Irsay announced Teerlinck’s death on Twitter on Sunday night.

Teerlinck’s legacy is typically tied to the likes of Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene and John Randle, among others. If not for these legendary pass rushers, then for the fact the award for the NFL’s top defensive line coach each season is named in his honor.

"'JT' was a man of true legend,” Freeney said in a statement through the Colts. “He was an innovator and his teachings were way ahead of his time. He taught me so much and I definitely would not have had the career I had if it wasn’t for him. I will miss him. Rest in peace my friend. The greatest defensive line coach of all time!”

Teerlinck played two seasons as a fifth-round pick out of Western Illinois with the San Diego Chargers between 1974-1975. He then coached in the college ranks until landing the defensive line post with the Cleveland Browns in 1989. Over the next 23 seasons, he would also lead the defensive line for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Lions, Broncos and Colts, respectively.

The Lions went 10-6 and made the playoffs in Teerlinck’s first season. Henry Thomas led the team with 10.5 sacks, Tracy Scroggins added 9.5 and a 26-year-old Robert Porcher chipped in five of his own that year. The Lions then went 5-11 the next season, with Teerlinck landing with the Broncos and winning his first of three Super Bowl titles in 1997.