Ivan Fears facts for kids
Fears in August 2009
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| Personal information | |
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| Born: | November 15, 1954 Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Suffolk (VA) John Yeates |
| College: | William & Mary |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
Ivan Fears, born on November 15, 1954, is a well-known former American football coach. He spent many years coaching in the National Football League (NFL). Most famously, he was the running backs coach for the New England Patriots from 2002 until 2021.
Contents
Playing Football
High School Days
Ivan Fears went to John Yeates High School in Suffolk, Virginia. He was a star football player there. He was even named the school's "Outstanding Player of the Year" twice! In his final year, he was chosen as an All-State player, meaning he was one of the best in the whole state.
College Football
After high school, Ivan went to The College of William & Mary. He continued to play football there as a running back. He played for the William & Mary team from 1973 to 1975.
Coaching Career
Starting in College
Ivan Fears started his coaching journey in 1976. He began at his old college, William & Mary, as a graduate assistant. This means he helped the coaches while also studying.
In 1977 and 1978, he became the team's receivers coach. Then, in 1979, he coached the quarterbacks. In 1980, he moved to Syracuse University to coach wide receivers there.
Coaching in the NFL
Fears joined the New England Patriots coaching team in 1991. He worked with the Patriots for two seasons. After that, he moved to coach the Chicago Bears' wide receivers in 1993.
He returned to the New England Patriots in 1999, again as their wide receivers coach. In 2002, he changed roles and became the running backs coach. Ivan Fears was a very important part of the Patriots' success. He helped them win six Super Bowl championships! He announced his retirement from coaching in 2022.
