Dave Adolph
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | June 6, 1937 |
| Place of birth: | Akron, Ohio |
| Date of death: | February 12, 2017 (aged 79) |
| Place of death: | Dublin, Ohio |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Mogadore (OH) |
| College: | Akron |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
| |
Dave Adolph (June 6, 1937 – February 12, 2017) was an American football coach.[1] He served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 1986-88.[2][3] Prior to leaving the Browns in 1985 for the San Diego Chargers, he was the Browns' interim defensive coordinator in 1984. The promotion occurred after Marty Schottenheimer was elevated from the team's defensive coordinator position to head coach midway through the season. He joined Schottenheimer as his defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1992-1994. Adolph was the defensive coordinator in four AFC championship games for three different NFL teams.
Experienced in mentoring and managing both the highs and lows of football programs to achieve success, Adolph has worked with generations of coaches and players. Adolph is the source of the title quote for Jon Gruden's book "Do You Love Football?!" spoken by Adolph to the new Oakland Raider head coach after a demoralizing nationally televised, season-opening loss on Sunday Night Football. Adolph also served in the U.S. Air Force. He played football at the University of Akron. Adolph is originally from Mogadore, Ohio, and was on the 1954 Mogadore High School state champion football team.
Coaching History
Adolph, one of few football staff members to serve both the Michigan and Ohio State programs, was selected to serve as honorary captain for both teams on the same day for the Michigan - Ohio State football game in Columbus, Ohio on November 26, 2016.
NFL All-Pro players coached by Dave Adolph include: Lyle Alzado, Clay Matthews Jr., Chip Banks, Tom Cousineau, Howie Long, Bob Golic, Hanford Dixon, Frank Minnifield, Scott Studwell, Derrick Thomas, and Junior Seau.