Corona, CA: Dick Beam Death: Former USC Assistant and Buccaneers Exec Loses Battle with Cancer at 75

Former University of Southern California football assistant coach Dick Beam lost his fight against cancer Thursday as he died in Corona, Ca. He was 75.

Beam, a standout 3-sport athlete in high school who went on to play football at Whittier College, spent four seasons under head coach John McKay at USC and helped lead the Trojans to the national championship in 1972 and 1974.

Following his college coaching stint at the University of Southern California, Beam coached in the NFL – again serving under McKay for five years (1976-1980) as an assistant and the director of administration for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From there, Bean served as the director of operations for the Rams for 10 seasons from 1981-1990, before becoming the general manager of the Orlando Thunder of the World League of American Football for 2 seasons (1991-92).

Besides coaching, Sports Illustrated writes that Beam served as a consultant to the NFL at 29 Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XLV in 2011.

Dick Beam is survived by his wife, Dorothy, son, Donn, daughter Cathy Crofts, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Beam was held Wednesday, May 9th at 10am at Whittier Area Community Church in Whittier, Ca.

A reception followed at Friendly Hills Country Club (also in Whittier).