Former Bears coach Jack Pardee dies

Apr 2, 2013 - 7:42 AM Lake Forest, IL (Sports Network) - Former Bears head coach Jack Pardee passed away Monday. He was 76.

Last November, Pardee's family announced that he had been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and was given six to nine months to live.

Pardee coached the Bears from 1975-77, compiling a 20-22 record. In 1977, he led the Bears to a 9-5 mark and their first playoff berth since they won the 1963 NFL championship.

"The Bears family was saddened to hear of Jack Pardee's passing," said Bears chairman George McCaskey in a statement. "Coach Pardee's time with us was only three seasons, but he made an impact by ending a 14-year playoff drought in 1977. It was a spark that led toward a great decade of Bears football. Our prayers go out to his family."

Pardee played linebacker for 15 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (1957-70) and Washington Redskins (1971-72).