Ted Marchibroda, who coached the Colts in Baltimore and Indianapolis, died on Saturday at the age of 84.
After his coaching career, Marchibroda served as color commentator on Colts' radio broadcasts from 1999-2006.
"We are extremely saddened and mourn the loss of Ted Marchibroda," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "He had a proud history not just with the Colts, but also as a player, coach and broadcaster for over half a century with the NFL. Ted was an innovator and turned the Colts into an instant playoff team when he took his first head coaching role in 1975.
"Ted was as humble as they come, and he represented the Colts and our community with class both off the field and on. He was beloved by many, and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ann and their family."
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Marchibroda coached the Colts for nine seasons, from 1975-79 in Baltimore and from 1992-1995 in Indianapolis, and compiled a 71-67 (.514) regular season record.
The Colts reached the playoffs in Marchibroda's first three seasons and four times overall, claiming three AFC East titles.
After leading the Colts to a 10-4 record in his first season in 1975, Marchibroda was selected NFL Coach of the Year.
In 1995, Marchibroda took the Colts to a 9-7 regular season record, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. In 2000, he became the first Colts head coach to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
Marchibroda made his NFL coaching debut with the Washington Redskins in 1961 as backfield coach and was there through 1965. He joined George Allen's staff with the Los Angeles Rams in 1966 and moved with Allen to the Redskins in 1971. Marchibroda served as the offensive coordinator there through the 1974 season.
After his first stint as head coach for the Colts, he served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bears (1981), Detroit Lions (1982-83), Philadelphia Eagles (1984-85) and Buffalo Bills (1987-91).
Following his second stint as Colts head coach, Marchibroda returned to Baltimore as the first head coach of the Ravens in 1996 and compiled a 16-31-1 record.
Marchibroda played quarterback at St. Bonaventure (1950-51) and the University of Detroit (1952), leading the nation in total offense as a senior.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1953 NFL Draft, he made 11 starts in 30 NFL games and completed 172-of-385 passes for 2,169 yards with 16 touchdowns with 29 interceptions with the Steelers (1953, 1955, 1956) and the Chicago Cardinals (1957).
Marchibroda missed the 1954 season while serving in the Army.
A native of Franklin, Pa., Marchibroda and his wife, Ann, had two daughters, Jodi and Lonni and two sons, Ted Jr. and Robert.
