Former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Dan Reeves Dies At 77 Due To Complications Of Dementia

Former NFL player and head coach to several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, has died.

Dan Reeves played for the Dallas Cowboys for eight seasons before retiring in 1972. Shortly after retirement, Reeves was hired as the Cowboys’ Assistant Coach.

In 1981, Reeves became the youngest head coach in the NFL when he was hired for the Denver Broncos. He coached the Broncos for 12 seasons and made it to the Super Bowl twice.

In 1993, he became the head coach of the New York Giants for four seasons, and after being let go by the Giants, Reeves was hired to be the coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 1997.

One year later, Reeves led the “Dirty Birds” to the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos for their first appearance ever.

Dan Reeves remained the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons until 2003, after being released by the new owner Arthur Blank.

Blank released a statement on behalf of the Atlanta Falcons early Saturday morning.

“Dan Reeves leaves a lasting legacy in our game as a player and coach. His track record of success in Dallas, Denver, New York and Atlanta over several decades speaks for itself, marking a long and successful life and career in football,” said Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman. “On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons I extend our condolences to Dan’s family and friends as they mourn his passing.”

After retiring from coaching, Dan Reeves would occasionally pop on sports talk shows and briefly worked for Westwood One Radio doing NFL games.

According to a statement released to the Associated Press, “Reeves died of complications from dementia.” He died “peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at his home in Atlanta.”

Former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves has passed away.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 1, 2022

Former NFL player and head coach Dan Reeves, who during his 38 years in the league participated in nine Super Bowls, the third most for an individual, has passed away. Reeves was 77. pic.twitter.com/njjJ3Gqo7z

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2022