North played for the Baltimore Colts of the All-American Football Conference (1948-49) and the NFL Colts in 1950. A native of Gilliam, North grew up in Old Hickory, Tenn.

John North, a long-time player and coach in the National Football League including three seasons as head coach of the New Orleans Saints (1973-75), died on Tuesday, July 6 in Covington at 89.