Mike Heimerdinger: Former Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Dies at Age 58

Former offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos and New York Jets Mike Heimerdinger died Friday night at age 58.

Heimerdinger was fighting a year-long battle with a rare form of cancer.

"It is with a heavy heart, but a trust in God, that we say goodbye to our beloved Dinger who lost his courageous battle with cancer," Heimerdinger's wife, Kathie, said in a statement Saturday. "Mike approached cancer with the same vigor and tenacity that he approached any football game—to win. Even in the final minutes he never gave up—that was our Dinger." 

Despite knowingly having cancer, Heimerdinger continued to coach in 2010. He showed courage, passion and love for the game of football. His defense fought for him every game last season. They wanted to win every game they could for him.

Heimerdinger coached the Titans offense to three playoff appearances in five years. He had a huge part in helping the late Steve McNair win co-MVP honors in 2003.

He also coached Pro Bowlers Derrick Mason and Eddie George and NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews.

Heimerdinger had a fantastic 15 years of NFL experience. He started as a wide receivers coach for Mike Shanahan in Denver. Shanahan and Heimerdinger were college roommates at Eastern Illinois University.

Cancer takes the lives of many people. With as much money as cancer research brings in, we can all hope that one day cancer will have a cure. We have been saying this for some time now, but having faith is the best way to go about it.