Buddy Teevens, the Ivy League football coach known for introducing robotic tackling dummies to Dartmouth practices, has died at the age of 66. Teevens sustained injuries from a bicycle accident in March.
Buddy Teevens, the innovative Ivy League football coach who brought robotic tackling dummies to Dartmouth practices, has died at age 66 of injuries he sustained from a bicycle accident in March. https://t.co/6vZbdOpuog
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 20, 2023
Buddy Teevens, the innovative Ivy League football coach who revolutionized Dartmouth practices with the introduction of robotic tackling dummies, tragically passed away at the age of 66 on March 20, 2023. Teevens succumbed to injuries sustained in a bicycle accident earlier that month. This shocking news has left the sports community in mourning as they remember the significant contributions he made to the game of football.
Born on May 1, 1956, in Pembroke, Massachusetts, Buddy Teevens was passionate about football from a young age. He attended Silver Lake Regional High School, where he excelled as a quarterback and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. After graduating high school, Teevens continued his football journey at Dartmouth College, playing as a quarterback for the Big Green from 1975 to 1978.
Teevens’ talent on the field was undeniable, but it was his dedication to the sport and his innovative thinking that set him apart. After completing his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth, he began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater. Teevens quickly climbed the coaching ranks, gaining experience at various institutions such as Boston University, the University of Illinois, and Stanford University.
In 1987, Teevens returned to Dartmouth as the head coach, eager to make a lasting impact on the team. Over the next thirteen years, he guided the Big Green to numerous successes, including multiple Ivy League championships. Teevens’ coaching style emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, traits that he instilled in his players both on and off the field.
However, it was Teevens’ forward-thinking approach that truly defined his coaching legacy. In 2018, he introduced robotic tackling dummies to Dartmouth practices, revolutionizing the way the team trained. These robotic dummies provided a safer alternative to traditional tackling drills, reducing the risk of injuries for players while maintaining the intensity and effectiveness of practice sessions. Teevens’ innovative use of technology garnered attention and admiration from coaches across the nation.
The news of Buddy Teevens’ untimely death has sent shockwaves through the football community, leaving many in disbelief. The circumstances surrounding his passing emphasize the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the impact of Buddy Teevens’ contributions to the game and the lives he touched will forever be remembered.
Teevens’ legacy extends far beyond his coaching achievements. He will be remembered as a mentor, a leader, and a beloved member of the Dartmouth community. His innovative spirit and commitment to player safety have left an indelible mark on the sport of football. The loss of such a visionary coach serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on an entire industry.
As the news of Buddy Teevens’ passing continues to reverberate, the football world mourns the loss of a true trailblazer. His dedication to the game, his groundbreaking ideas, and his genuine passion for his players will forever be cherished. Buddy Teevens’ legacy will live on through the countless lives he influenced and the lasting impact he made on the game of football..
Buddy Teevens, the innovative Ivy League football coach who brought robotic tackling dummies to Dartmouth practices, has died at age 66 of injuries he sustained from a bicycle accident in March. https://t.co/6vZbdOpuog
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 20, 2023