A sad bit of news at the beginning of the week: Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has died after a brief illness. He was 72 years old.

The Lions were the last of several coaching stops for Cunningham. He served as the Lions defensive coordinator from 2009-2013 under head coach Jim Schwartz. Upon his retirement from coaching, Cunningham stayed with the Lions as a senior defensive assistant.

The German-born Cunningham is best known for his days with the Kansas City Chiefs organization, first as their defensive coordinator and later head coach from 1999-2000. He later came back to head the Chiefs defense once again from 2004-2008.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cunningham’s family and friends.