On Saturday, former Indianapolis and Baltimore Colts coach Ted Marchibroda died at the age of 84. And during his 30-plus year career coaching in the NFL, Marchibroda mentored former Colts quarterback and current Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Behind his "let er rip" mantra, Marchibroda and Harbaugh made it all the way to the 1995 AFC championship game.
Harbaugh began the 1995 season as the back-up quarterback, but took over in Week 2 and helped guide the Colts to the franchise's first playoff win since 1971 and the first in the Indianapolis era (the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984). The Colts lost in the AFC title game to the Steelers after an incomplete Hail Mary.
When Harbaugh heard about the passing of his former head coach, he tweeted out a heartfelt message to celebrate the life of an innovator in the NFL.
R.I.P. & Let 'Er Rip. Ted Marchibroda, a Life-Changer, a Winner & a Champion all the way. Forever Proud to be ur QB. pic.twitter.com/usV6F27OXk
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) January 16, 2016
