Ex-assistant Wallis dies

10.29.2009

Former Browns assistant coach Darvin Wallis passed away on Monday, Oct. 26.

Wallis, 60, spent 26 seasons in the NFL coaching ranks with Kansas City and Cleveland. He spent seven seasons with the Browns and 19 seasons with the Chiefs as a defensive assistant/quality control coach before his retirement in January of 2008. He is survived by his wife Vicky and three sons: Tyson, Darvin, Jr. and Austin.

He began his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns under head coach Sam Rutigliano in 1982. Former Browns and Chiefs Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer joined Rutigliano in expressing their condolences on Wallis' passing.

"He was at the forefront of the coaching profession's analysis of trends through video analysis," Schottenheimer said. "In the role in which he was cast, I've never been with one better - the best I was ever involved with. The thoughts and prayers of Pat and I are with the Wallis family in its time of sorrow."

"Darvin was truly at the cutting edge when it came to introducing computer technology into the NFL," Rutigliano said. "In terms of applying research and development to the strategy of the game, he was at the forefront of that movement. He was a marvelously talented individual. All of us who knew him so well will miss him deeply."

Before embarking on his NFL coaching career, he tutored the tight ends and tackles at the University of Mississippi ('80-81). He also was the offensive line and strength coach at Tulane ('78-79) and oversaw the offensive front at Adams State ('76-77). The Fort Branch, Indiana native began his coaching career at Wilcox High School ('72) before taking the head coaching reins at Ajo High School in Ajo, Arizona ('73-75).

A memorial service for Wallis will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 7th at the Overland Park Baptist Temple - 11648 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210. The Wallis family has requested memorials in the honor of Darvin Wallis be directed to Voice of the Martyrs (c/o Brenda Matlock) - P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, OK 74005