Longtime NFL player and coach Dick Jauron has died at the age of 74.

Jauron was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills from the start of 2006 through the midpoint of 2009.

According to The Daily Item in Massachusetts, Jauron had a brief battle with cancer before his passing.

The Bills released a message on Jauron’s death:

We’re saddened to learn about the passing of former Head Coach Dick Jauron. ❤️💙

We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time: https://t.co/EkWBaJJ9yE pic.twitter.com/JIg6Y1qTDA

Along with his tenure as a head coach in Buffalo, Jauron led the Chicago Bears for five seasons including the 2001 season when he was voted the NFL’s Coach of the Year.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former head coach of the Bills, Marv Levy, commented on Jauron’s passing.

“I thought the world of the guy,” Levy said. “He was respected, someone with high character, a good teacher, and a good family man. “I’m sad.”

Jauron played in the NFL as a defensive back as well from 1973 to 1980 with the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. In 1974, he was named a Pro Bowl selection.

Jauron’s Bills coaching record was 24-33 and his overall NFL coaching record was 60-83 including one postseason defeat.