The 79-year-old coached the team from 1973 to 1978, tallying two 11-win seasons that were, at the time, the team’s best-ever finishes.
Fairbanks may be most remembered for his introduction of the 3-4, gap-style defense into the league during his tenure with the Pats, as well as his eye for draft talent. He turned the franchise around after a string of dismal seasons, bringing the first-ever home playoff game to Massachusetts at then Schaefer Stadium.
