Former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, who oversaw some of the most dominant defenses in the franchise’s history, has tragically passed away.
He was 78 years old.
“For nine years, Steve Sidwell played an integral role in the success of the New Orleans Saints and helped develop several of the franchise’s greatest defensive players,” said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. “The success of these teams and players continues to resonate with our organization and fan base to this day. My late husband Tom owned the team during Steve’s entire tenure and had a great affinity for him both as a coach and as a person. In addition to being an outstanding coach, Steve was also a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sidwell family, including his wife Kathleen and two sons, Brad and Scott.”
Sidwell joined New Orleans’ staff as a defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach in 1986 and he remained in the job through the 1994 season. He oversaw a unit that led the league in points allowed twice, passing defense twice, and rushing defense once.
He also oversaw a linebacker corps known as the Dome Patrol. The group featured a pair of Pro Football Hall of Famers Rickey Jackson and Sam Mills as well as Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson.
All four of those men are in the Saints Hall of Fame along with Sidwell, who went on to be a defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers (1995-96), Patriots (1997-99), and Seattle Seahawks (2000-2002) after leaving the Saints.
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Sidwell spent 21 years in the NFL as a coach.
The former University of Colorado standout linebacker coached in the college ranks for 16 seasons, starting as linebackers coach at his alma mater from 1966-73.
We send our thoughts and prayers to his family as they deal with his tragic loss.
