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.