The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1534644
60 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MAY 2025 BY ANTHONY BROOME F ormer Michigan football offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Mike DeBord died April 15 from com- plications due to a stroke he suffered in 2021. He was 69 years old. "Our football program and athletic de- partment lost a great assistant coach and Olympic sports administrator in Mike DeBord," U-M Football said in a state- ment on X, formerly known as Twitter. "He was always a great source of inspira- tion for the student-athletes who com- peted for Michigan and the coaches who represented our teams. Mike positively affected so many lives at this university and his impact will be felt for genera- tions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family." His son, Tyler DeBord, announced his father's passing on Facebook. "The world lost a great man today," the younger DeBord wrote. "He taught me so much in life, I am so grateful the good Lord blessed me with the best dad! He was a man of faith, an unbelievable dad, husband, grandpa, and man! For all his successes in life, he always stuck to his small-town roots and never for- got where he came from. He had a great sense of faith, work ethic, love for family, football, and life. His loss will be felt by many because of the impact he had on everyone he touched. He loved fiercely, and we loved him!" The Muncie, Ind., native was Michi- gan's offensive line coach from 1993-96, becoming offensive coordinator in 1997 through the 1999 season. DeBord coor- ❱ IN MEMORIAM Former U-M Assistant, Administrator Mike DeBord Dies At 69 Former Michigan assistant football coach and Olympic sports administrator Mike DeBord, who served several stints at the school between 1993 and 2020, passed away April 15 from complications from a stroke he suffered four years ago. PHOTOS BY PER KJELDSEN ❱ They Said It "Absolutely loved that 'Debo' came back and I got to know him and develop a true friendship and respect. Praying for the family." — Former Michigan WR Braylon Edwards (2002-04) "He had a great eye in evaluating talent. When he was the coach here at Central, he recruited so many of the players who went on after he left and had success." — Former CMU head coach (1978-93) and athletics director (1994-06) Herb Deromedi "I could write for days on this man. Not only was he a great coach, he was a great human being first and foremost. One of my all-time favorites. Appreciate you, Coach! Rest in paradise." — Former Tennessee WR Josh Smith (2013-17) "I was Blessed to be mentored by and coach with Mike DeBord. He was one of the best men that I know in the coaching profession!" — Clemson defensive coordinator and former Indiana head coach Tom Allen (2017-23)