Former Seattle Seahawks Coach Steve Sidwell Dies at 78

Steve Sidwell, who served as Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2002, was best-known as the architect of the New Orleans Saints “Dome Patrol” defense.

The Seattle Seahawks joined the NFL community in mourning the loss of former assistant coach and defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, who passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 78.

Sidwell joined the Seahawks in 2000 and served as defensive coordinator for three years under head coach Mike Holmgren. Seattle compiled a 22–26 record during that time. He also served under current Seattle head coach Pete Carroll from 1997-1999 when Carroll held the top job with the New England Patriots.   

Sidwell was a first-team All-Big Eight linebacker at the University of Colorado as a senior in 1965 and became just the second player in school history to also earn Academic All-Big Eight honors the same year. He remained at his alma mater to begin his coaching career as linebackers coach for the Buffaloes from 1966 to 1973. He received his first defensive coordinator position at UNLV (1974-75), followed by a six-year stint as defensive coordinator at Southern Methodist University from 1976-81.

His first NFL coaching opportunity came as a linebackers linebackers coach for the New England Patriots in 1982, a position he held for three seasons. Following one season as the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts in 1985, Sidwell was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their defensive coordinator. He served in that role with the Saints through the 1994 season. 

During his time in New Orleans, Sidwell was the principal architect of the famed “Dome Patrol” defense, considered to be among the most formidable 3–4 defenses in NFL history. The unit prominently featured linebackers Rickey Jackson, Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills and Pat Swilling. Overall, the Dome Patrol combined for 18 Pro Bowls and made four playoff appearances.

Following his tenure with the Saints, Sidwell served as defensive coordinator of the Houston Oilers (1995-96), returned to the Patriots [under Carroll] from 1997-99. He  ultimately joined the Seahawks in 2000, which would be his last NFL coaching position. 

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