Ex-Eagles, Browns coach Skorich dead at 83

Nick Skorich's Career Record Year Team W L T 1961 Philadelphia 10 4 0 1962 Philadelphia 3 10 1 1963 Philadelphia 2 10 2 1971 Cleveland 9 5 0 1972 Cleveland 10 4 0 1973 Cleveland 7 5 2 1974 Cleveland 4 10 0 Totals   45 48 5    Note: 0-2 in playoffs (1971, '72).

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Nick Skorich, an NFL head coach in Cleveland and Philadelphia and the offensive line coach on the Eagles' 1960 championship team, has died at the age of 83.

Skorich, a longtime resident of Princeton, N.J., died Saturday night of an apparent infection after recent heart-valve surgery.

"He was a beautiful guy, a real gentleman, a good Catholic man," said Jim Gallagher, a friend and former director of communications for the Eagles. "He was well-liked by his players and everyone around the team."

Skorich, who was associated with the NFL as a player, coach and supervisor of officials for more than 50 years, was promoted to head coach of the Eagles in 1961, replacing Buck Shaw, a move that angered Eagles quarterback Norm Van Brocklin.

Skorich was replaced by general manager Joe Kuharich for the 1964 season. After serving as an assistant with Pittsburgh and Cleveland, he was named head coach of the Browns in 1971. He had a 45-48-5 record in seven seasons as a head coach with Philadelphia and Cleveland.

"We place great value on those individuals who have coached, worked and played for the Cleveland Browns. He will always be a member of our family," Browns owner Randy Lerner said.

Skorich led the Browns to a 30-24-2 record in five seasons, winning the AFC Central title in 1971 with a 9-5 mark.

Skorich was a 15th-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 out of the University of Cincinnati. He played three seasons for the Steelers at guard and linebacker from 1946-48.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa, and two daughters.