South Gwinnett News

A former Atlanta Falcons coach who led the team to its first Super Bowl appearance died over the weekend of dementia.

Dan Reeves, who coached the Falcons to the Super Bowl for the 1998 season and played running back as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, died at his Atlanta home at age 77, according to ESPN.

Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank said Reeves' impact on the game and the franchise will be felt for years to come.

"Dan Reeves leaves a lasting legacy in our game as a player and coach. His track record of success in Dallas, Denver, New York (Giants) and Atlanta over several decades speaks for itself, marking a long and successful life and career in football," Blank said in a statement. "On behalf of the Atlanta Falcons I extend our condolences to Dan's family and friends as they mourn his passing."

According to ESPN, Reeves spent 39 years in the league, playing in two Super Bowls, including the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl VI.

As a head coach, Reeves won 10 or more games nine times, won 12 or more games three times and was the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 1993 (Broncos) and in 1998 (Falcons), according to ESPN.

ESPN reported that Reeves finished his coaching career with seven seasons at the helm for the Falcons and was with the franchise when the team drafted quarterback Michael Vick.

“Following his playing career, he became the youngest head coach in NFL history when he joined the Denver Broncos in 1981. In 12 years with the Broncos, Reeves won five division titles and three AFC championships,” the Falcons website stated. “After spending four seasons with the New York Giants, Reeves was hired by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. His second season in Atlanta would mark one of the greatest seasons in franchise history as the team posted a 14-2 record and won its first NFC championship.”