Darryl Drake, wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers and former Chicago Bears coach, passed away on August 11, 2019 at the age of 62, according to the Steelers Owner Art Rooney II.
Drake, entering his second season with the Steelers, spent nine seasons with the Chicago Bears from 2004-2012 under Lovie Smith as the wide receivers coach and worked to develop young receivers such as Bernard Berrian and Johnny Knox. He was probably best known in Chicago, however, for his media rant regarding Knox following a 2011 training camp practice.
The Chicago Bears and former players took to social media to pay their respects and mourn their former coach’s passing.
“We are at a loss for words following Darryl Drake’s passing this morning,” Art Rooney said in statement. “Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career. He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Sheila, his three daughters, his grandchildren and entire family during this difficult time.”
Drake also worked with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2017 under Bruce Arians and worked in college football prior to joining the Bears in 2004.
