Ron Meyer, the New England Patriots head coach who orchestrated the 1982 "Snow Plow Game," has died at the age of 76, according to the team.
Meyer was the head coach of the Patriots from 1982-84 and finished with a 18-15 regular season record.
Meyer's biggest win arguably came on Dec. 12, 1982 against the Miami Dolphins. During wintry conditions in Foxboro, Meyer called a timeout late in the game and dispatched a stadium worker to take a snow plow and clear a spot for kicker John Smith. Smith made the field goal and the Patriots won the "Snow Plow Game," 3-0.
"I am sad to hear of Ron Meyer’s passing," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "He was a colorful head coach who was very entertaining for fans during his tenure. One of the greatest things Ron did when he was hired in 1982 was to bring us a young coach from his staff at Southern Methodist University named Dante Scarnecchia. Thirty-five years later, that hire has proven to be a lasting legacy. On behalf of the entire Patriots organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Meyer family and the many friends who are mourning his loss."
Meyer took over a Patriots team that finished with a league-worst 2-14 record and led the team to a 5-4 record and the team’s first playoff appearance since 1978 in the strike-shortened 1982 season.
Prior to coaching the Patriots, Meyer was the head coach at SMU for six seasons. Following his stint with the Patriots, Meyer went on to coach the Indianapolis Colts from 1986-91, where he earned another AFC Coach of the Year honor in 1987.
