John Teerlinck facts for kids

John Teerlinck (born April 9, 1951 – died May 10, 2020) was an American football player and a very successful coach. He won three Super Bowls as a coach for the defensive line. These wins were with the Denver Broncos in 1997 and 1998, and the Indianapolis Colts in 2006. An award for the best defensive line coach in the National Football League (NFL) is named after him. He coached 23 players who were chosen for the Pro Bowl. Three of his players also entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Many people think Teerlinck was one of the greatest defensive line coaches ever.

Early Life and High School Years

John Teerlinck was born in Rochester, New York. He went to Fenwick High School. While there, he earned special honors in the All-Chicago Catholic League.

Playing Football in College

Teerlinck played college football for the Western Illinois Leathernecks. He studied how another player, Fred Dryer, played and used similar moves. Teerlinck once said, "I'd watch No. 89, Fred Dryer, and copy his moves."

College Achievements

As a senior at Western Illinois University, he was a co-captain. He made 122 tackles and 14 sacks. He was named his team's defensive most valuable player. The Associated Press also voted him a third-team Little All-American.

Professional Playing Career

The San Diego Chargers picked Teerlinck in the 1974 NFL Draft. He was the 105th player chosen overall. He played 20 games for them between 1974 and 1975. Sadly, a knee injury made him stop playing football early.

Coaching in the NFL

John Teerlinck coached in 32 NFL playoff games. This included six conference championship games and four Super Bowls. He earned three Super Bowl rings with two different teams. These were the Denver Broncos (1997, 1998) and the Indianapolis Colts (2006). His coaching career ended after the 2011 season.

A Legendary Coach

Many people consider Teerlinck to be the greatest defensive line coach of all time. He became well-known in the NFL in the early 1990s. John Randle, a famous player, said Teerlinck was "very unorthodox" and "a different breed." He called Teerlinck "the guru" because his advice was so helpful. The John Teerlinck Award is given every year to the best defensive line coach in the NFL.

Coaching Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame Players

As a coach who specialized in helping players rush the passer, Teerlinck coached 23 Pro Bowl players. Two of his players, Michael Dean Perry and Chris Doleman, were named defensive players of the year. Three of his former players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These are Kevin Greene, John Randle, and Chris Doleman. John Randle even chose Teerlinck to introduce him at his Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010.

During his time as a coach, Teerlinck helped seven players reach 100 career sacks. These players include Doleman, Greene, Randle, Bubba Baker, Neil Smith, Freeney, and Robert Mathis.

Personal Life

John Teerlinck and his wife, Sue, had five children. Their names are Annie, Bill, Mark, Molly, and Mary. His son, Bill, also became a football coach. Bill worked as an assistant coach with his father for the Colts. Later, Bill became a defensive line coach in the NFL and college football.

John Teerlinck passed away on May 10, 2020, at the age of 69.