Former Seahawks coach Mike McCormack dies at 83

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hall of Fame offensive lineman Mike McCormack died Friday in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 83.

During his nearly 50 years in professional football, McCormack played, coached and held several executive positions, including president of the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said he spoke with McCormack’s wife, Ann, and was informed of McCormack’s death from natural causes.

McCormack spent 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, helping the franchise win NFL championships in 1954 and 1955. He played with Otto Graham and blocked for running back Jim Brown.

McCormack later coached the Philadelphia Eagles (1973-75), Baltimore Colts (1980-81) and Seattle Seahawks (1982). He also served as president and general manager of the Seahawks.

McCormack was 4-3 as the Seahawks coach after taking over for Jack Patera three games into the 1982 season. As the team’s GM he hired Chuck Knox to take over the coaching duties the following season.

McCormack was instrumental in helping the Panthers land an NFL franchise in 1993 and is the first person selected into the team’s Hall of Honor.

“It is safe to say that we would probably not have a team in the Carolinas if it were not for Mike McCormack,” Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a release. “He had the contacts in the National Football League and was universally respected by everyone associated with professional football.”

Richardson and McCormack have remained close friends.

“He was a wonderful man and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ann, and the entire McCormack family,” Richardson said.

A native of Chicago, McCormack made his mark in the NFL long before joining the Panthers in 1989.

McCormack was a dominant offensive lineman for the Browns. At McCormack’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, coach Paul Brown called McCormack “the finest offensive lineman I have ever coached.”

USA Today named McCormack to its 75th anniversary all-NFL team, listing him as one of the best three tackles in league history.

McCormack’s coaching career began as an assistant in 1965 with the Washington Redskins, learning under coaching legends Vince Lombardi and George Allen.

But he never experienced the same success he had as a player. McCormack was a combined 29-51-1 during his career as a head coach.

Still, he was respected enough that the Seahawks hired him to work on the personnel side as president and general manager. McCormack left the Seahawks in 1989 and Richardson hired him as an adviser in an effort to help bring professional football to the Carolinas.

He later served as team president, but left the Panthers after two seasons so he could spend more time with his grandchildren.

Richardson named McCormack to Carolina’s Hall of Honor in 1997. He is one of only two people in the Hall of Honor; the other is former linebacker Sam Mills, who is also deceased.

Dayton said the Panthers plan to hold a moment of silence prior to Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.