National Football League

Long-time coach Pete Rodriguez dies

Published Dec. 3, 2014 7:18 p.m. ET

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SAN DIEGO (AP) Pete Rodriquez, one of the first Hispanic coaches in pro football, has died. He was 75.

The family said Wednesday that Rodriguez died on Sunday and will be buried on Dec. 10. His daughter, Marla, said he died of a rare complication after surgery.

Rodriguez worked for the Raiders, Cardinals, Redskins, Seahawks and Jaguars, as well as for two USFL and one CFL team.

Rodriguez was a two-time special teams coach of the year and was selected by the Dallas Morning News as the top special teams coach of the 1990s.

The son of a Mexican immigrant, Rodriguez grew up in Chicago and attended Western State University. He moved into coaching on the college level before making his way into the professional ranks.

When he was head coach of the Jaguars, Jack Del Rio told the Florida Times-Union:

''I deflect to Pete when it comes to special teams. You're talking about one of the best in the business at what he does, if not the best.''

Rodriguez is survived by his wife, Sherry, and his two daughters, Marla and Gina.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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