Skip to main content

Advertising

Former Cowboys Assistant Bruce DeHaven Passes Away At 68

Dec 28, 2016 at 01:45 AM

18-Phillips_Rob-HS

Rob Phillips

DallasCowboys.com Senior Writer

Bruce DeHaven, who directed the Cowboys' special teams from 2003-06 in a coaching career spanning five decades, has died following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 68.

The Buffalo Bills, where DeHaven coached from 1987-99, announced his passing in a statement Tuesday night.

DeHaven's special teams units were a critical part of the Bills' four straight Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s. In 2003 he joined Bill Parcells' first Cowboys coaching staff and remained in Dallas through 2006. Former Cowboys punter Mat McBriar made his first of two career Pro Bowls under DeHaven's guidance.

Most recently DeHaven served as special teams coordinator for the last year's NFC champions, the Carolina Panthers, before transitioning to an advisory role.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

2024 Cowboys Offseason: Key Dates, NFL Events

The remaining calendar of NFL events, dates and deadlines is now set and, as such, the Cowboys know exactly how to manage their offseason entering the 2024 season

Tyler Biadasz to join Armstrong with Commanders

There are now two players departing North Texas to take their talent from the Dallas Cowboys to the Washington Commanders, this time being starting center Tyler Biadsaz.

Prospects to watch at 12 positions during 2024 scouting combine

It's officially NFL Combine week as the Cowboys head to Indianapolis to scout the nation's best draft talent in search of 2024 contributors.

Cowboys agree to terms with Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator

After a weekend of speculation, the Cowboys agreed to terms with Mike Zimmer as their new defensive coordinator on Monday afternoon.

Dan Quinn scheduled for multiple second interviews

The interest in Dan Quinn for head coaching vacancies around the league is rising as he lands multiple second interviews.

Spagnola: Jerry steadfastly ignores noisy grain

Owner Jerry Jones didn't let the outside noise affect his decision to stick with Mike McCarthy, writes Mickey Spagnola. Accountability is shared by many with all knowing there is much work to be done.

Dak has daily method for push toward Super Bowl

When the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott take the field to battle the Green Bay Packers, and it'll be the next step in a mission the QB started long ago, with daily reminders.

Practice Points: Big birthday performance for Dak

On his 30th birthday, Dak Prescott had a nice day at practice on Saturday, one of the few practice points from the staff writers.

Podcast schedule resumes with big changes

Football is back in Oxnard, which means the podcasts are back as well, with big changes to the lineup this season.

Tyler Smith Plans to be "Comfortable at Both Spots"

Whether it's left tackle or left guard – positions Tyler Smith started at one point last season – the second-year lineman says he must be ready to play either position.

Mailbag: Will Dennis Houston Get A Shot at WR?

Could this be the time when Dennis Houston gets a real shot to make a difference at the wide receiver position?

Sergio Perez Makes Lap Around The Star

Formula 1 superstar Sergio Perez made a recent visit to The Star in Frisco, where he got a tour from Isaac Alarcon.

Advertising