Jack Patera, the first head coach in Seattle Seahawks history, joined the franchise in their inaugural season (1976). A former NFL player (Colts, Cardinals, Cowboys) and assistant coach (Rams, Giants, Vikings), Patera coached with the Seahawks franchise for seven seasons (1976-82) and allotted a 35-59 win-loss record along with a .372 winning percentage.
As the Seahawks' first head coach, Patera was tasked with building the franchise from the ground up. Patera led the Seahawks to a 9-7 record in just their third season (1978), earning him the NFL Coach of the Year award.
Patera played a key role in the development of Seahawks Legends Steve Largent and quarterback Jim Zorn. Patera passed away in 2018 at the age of 85. He is remembered as a foundational figure in Seahawks history who left his mark on the franchise.
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