"On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell via a statement issued by the league. "We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
"Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today."
Madden was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969-78. Later, he was one of the most well-known and recognized broadcast commentators, spending time with CBS (1979–1993), Fox(1994–2001), ABC (2002–2005), and NBC (2006–2008). Younger fans know him as the namesake of the Madden NFL video game series played by millions.
One way or another, everyone knows his name. The sports icon will be missed.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Madden out of Cal Poly in 1958, but a knee injury ended his NFL career before he could play professionally. He joined the Raiders in 1967 as a linebackers coach. Two years later, he was named the head coach at the age of 32, leading Oakland to a 12-1-1 record in his first season. Madden won Super Bowl XI with the Raiders.
Madden retired from coaching in 1978, finishing with an overall record of 103-32-7. His .759 winning percentage is the best among coaches with 100-or-more games.
Madden retired from his broadcast career after the 2008 season. He won 16 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Analyst/Personality. In 2006, Madden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his coaching career.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers lose out on John Franklin-Myers as Titans land D-lineman
The Tennessee Titans have won the bidding war for veteran defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, agreeing to a three-year, $63 million deal that beats out the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. John Franklin-Myers gets $42 million guaranteed from... -
49ers NFL Combine Watch: Offensive Line Risers and Fallers Shake Up Draft Boards
Day 4 of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine belonged to the big men in the trenches, and several offensive linemen used the spotlight to shift their draft stock dramatically. For teams like the San Francisco 49ers — who continue searching for long-term stability along the... -
49ers eye O-line help in latest Charles Davis 2026 NFL mock draft
After previously projecting a skill-position pick for the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Media analyst Charles Davis shifted gears in his latest 2026 NFL mock draft. Instead of adding another pass-catching weapon, Davis has the 49ers reinforcing the trenches. With the No. 27 overall... -
PFF names 49ers' best-case scenario in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, mock drafts continue to shape narratives ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The San Francisco 49ers, who have multiple offseason needs, are already being linked to several first-round possibilities. John Kosko of Pro Football Focus (PFF)...