Rams executive Faulkner dies

***RamWraith*** · -09-29-2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Jack Faulkner, a longtime executive with the Rams and former head coach of the Denver Broncos passed away. He was 82.

He died Sunday night in Newport Beach, CA, the St. Louis Rams said.

Faulkner had a 53-year career with the NFL. He joined the Rams organization in 1955 as an assistant coach and was associated with the organization for 43 years.

When Faulkner was the defensive backs coach of the San Diego Chargers of the AFL in 1961, the team set a then-pro-football record with 49 interceptions.

He then went on to coach the Broncos for two-plus seasons and was honored as AFL coach of the year in 1962 after leading club to a 7-7 record. His biggest impact with the franchise came as general manager, when he altered the team's color scheme from the original brown and gold to the iconic orange, blue and white.

The former Marine who served in World War II also worked as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints before rejoining the Rams in 1971 as a professional and college scout.

Faulkner had most recently been the Rams' administrator for pro personnel, working out of his office in Orange County, CA. He retired from coaching after helping the Rams reach their first Super Bowl in 1979 as offensive backfield coach.