College and Professional Football Coach. Born Richard F. MacPherson, he coached at both the University of Massachusetts and Syracuse University before coaching the National Football League's New England Patriots from 1991 to 1992. He played football at Springfield College and later served as an assistant coach for various college and professional teams (U. of Illinois, UMass, U. of Cincinnati, U. of Maryland, and the Denver Broncos). In 1971 he became the head coach of the University of Massachusetts football team and served in this position until 1977. During his tenure with the Redmen/Minutemen, he had 45 wins, 27 losses, and 1 tie. From 1978 to 1980, he served as the linebacker coach for the National Football League's Cleveland Browns. In 1981 he became the head coach of the Syracuse University Orangemen and served in this position until 1990. During his tenure at Syracuse, he was 66-46-4 and received several coaching awards for the undefeated season that his team had in 1987 (they went 11-0-1 and tied Auburn in the Sugar Bowl). He left Syracuse in 1991 after being named the head coach of the NFL's New England Patriots. He coached the Patriots for two seasons before being fired after a disastrous 2-14 season in 1992. In 1991 he received strong consideration for the NFL Coach of the Year honors after leading the Patriots to a 6-10 record (they were 1-15 the year before). After leaving coaching, he provided color commentary for Syracuse University football radio broadcasts for several seasons. He passed away of natural causes.
College and Professional Football Coach. Born Richard F. MacPherson, he coached at both the University of Massachusetts and Syracuse University before coaching the National Football League's New England Patriots from 1991 to 1992. He played football at Springfield College and later served as an assistant coach for various college and professional teams (U. of Illinois, UMass, U. of Cincinnati, U. of Maryland, and the Denver Broncos). In 1971 he became the head coach of the University of Massachusetts football team and served in this position until 1977. During his tenure with the Redmen/Minutemen, he had 45 wins, 27 losses, and 1 tie. From 1978 to 1980, he served as the linebacker coach for the National Football League's Cleveland Browns. In 1981 he became the head coach of the Syracuse University Orangemen and served in this position until 1990. During his tenure at Syracuse, he was 66-46-4 and received several coaching awards for the undefeated season that his team had in 1987 (they went 11-0-1 and tied Auburn in the Sugar Bowl). He left Syracuse in 1991 after being named the head coach of the NFL's New England Patriots. He coached the Patriots for two seasons before being fired after a disastrous 2-14 season in 1992. In 1991 he received strong consideration for the NFL Coach of the Year honors after leading the Patriots to a 6-10 record (they were 1-15 the year before). After leaving coaching, he provided color commentary for Syracuse University football radio broadcasts for several seasons. He passed away of natural causes.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
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Beloved husband, father & grandfather
"Coach Mac"
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