Former Super Bowl coach and pioneering Memphis quarterback Charles “Kippy” Brown dies at 71

Charles “Kippy” Brown, who broke ground as the first Black quarterback at the University of Memphis, died this week at 71, with the cause of death not disclosed. After playing at Memphis, he launched a coaching career that spanned college and professional ranks, including a stint as the New York Jets’ running backs coach and multiple periods as a wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee. In the NFL, Brown contributed to the Seattle Seahawks’ consecutive Super Bowl runs as their wide receivers coach, mentoring players such as Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, Jermaine Kearse and Sidney Rice.

His résumé also includes roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and a head-coaching position with the XFL’s Memphis Maniax. Honors include induction into the M Club Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and the Billy J. Murphy Award. Former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll remembered him as a beloved friend with a fun-loving spirit, while Baldwin said Brown was instrumental in his personal and professional development. Brown leaves behind his wife Deon and their children, Jennifer and Jeome.