Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Hank Stram has died at the age of 82 from complication of diabetes. Stram’s relationship with the franchise began in 1960 when they were still the Dallas Texans and continued until his departure in 1974. Stram led the team to the first Super Bowl, a 35-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Chiefs returned under Stram in Super Bowl IV and beat the Vikings 23-7. Stram also guided the Dallas Texans to the AFL Championship in 1962.
Stram’s notoriety was furthered by his flamboyant style on the sidelines. He was the first coach to wear a microphone in a Super Bowl and his interesting use of terms like “matriculating the ball down the field” became the things of NFL legend. He was probably remembered as much for the bright red blazer he wore during games than his coaching to those who weren’t die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fans.
After his time with the Chiefs, Stram moved on to coach the Saints from 1975-1977. When he retired from coaching, Stram had a record of 124-76-10.
Once he left the sidelines, his career continued to climb in the broadcast booth. From 1978-1995 he and Jack Buck teamed up for Monday Night Football on the radio. Their duo proved to be the longest running broadcast partnership for MNF on TV or radio.
In 2003, Stram was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame.
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