Jack Patera, the first coach of the Seahawks whose creative offense and willingness to take chances helped the team become immediate popular, died Wednesday at age 85. Patera’s passing was announced by one of his former players, Steve Raible, now with KIRO-TV.
Patera coached the Seahawks from 1976-82 and compiled a 35-59 record before being fired after the first two games of the 1982 season.
Patera, who made his name as the coach of the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings — the famed Purple People Eaters — was named Seahawks head coach on Jan.