Bill Davis, the Browns' Vice President of Personnel during the start of the team's memorable run through the 1980s, passed away Saturday. He was 81.
Davis, a Youngstown native who played on both sides of the ball during his college years at Mount Union, joined the Browns in 1981 and held his position until 1986. During that time, he helped acquire seven players who would go on to become Browns Legends: Bernie Kosar, Kevin Mack, Earnest Byner, Frank Minniefield, Bob Golic, Hanford Dixon and Eddie Johnson.
The Browns made the playoffs three times during Davis' tenure, including back-to-back AFC Central Champion seasons in 1985 and 1986.
Davis began his career as a coach, leading Austintown High School in his first gig out of college from 1964-1966. His first NFL job came with the Philadelphia Eagles 1976 as a linebackers coach, and he transitioned to the player personnel side in 1979 when he was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their Director of Pro Personnel. Davis finished his career with the Eagles, serving as a VP of Player Personnel from 1986-90.
Davis' son, Bill Jr., is the linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He filled the same position with the Browns from 2011-12.
Davis and his wife, Joanne, raised three children, Diane, Bill Jr. and Bret.
