Former Indianapolis Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck died at the age of 69, owner Jim Irsay announced Monday.
Teerlinck coached for six teams during his NFL coaching career with the Colts being his final stop. He is regarded as the coach who helped shape and mold the games of legendary Colts pass rushers Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.
Teerlinck played two seasons in the NFL before his coaching career began With the Cleveland Browns (1989-1990). He also worked with the Los Angeles Rams (1991), Minnesota Vikings (1992-1994), Detroit Lions (1995-1996) and Denver Broncos (1997-2001. He landed in Indianapolis in 2002 where he would serve as the defensive line coach until 2012.
Rest In Peace, John Teerlinck. One of our sport’s all-time greatest assistant coaches. And a Horseshoe guy, through-and-through.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 11, 2020
R.I.P to THE GREATEST Passrush Coach OF ALL TIME!!!! #JohnTeerlinck
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) May 11, 2020
Teerlinck was a part of three Super Bowl champion teams. During his coaching career, he worked with 31 Pro Bowlers and seven of his players reached 100 career sacks.
Teerlinck will go down as one of the greatest position coaches of all time and certainly holds a dear place in the hearts of the Colts and their fan base.