Ex-NFL exec, USC assistant Beam dead at 75

Dick Beam, an assistant coach on two of Southern California's national championship football teams and later an executive with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died. He was 75.

LOS ANGELES -- Dick Beam, an assistant on two of Southern California's national championship football teams and later an executive with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died. He was 75.

Beam died of cancer Thursday in the Orange County city of Corona, Calif., the university said.

Beam worked under coach John McKay at USC from 1972 to 1975, spending the first two seasons as a part-time assistant and scout while teaching physical education at a high school. He was a full-time assistant in his final two seasons. The Trojans won national titles in 1972 and 1974 and played in three Rose Bowls.

Beam followed McKay to the NFL, working from 1976 to 1980 with the Buccaneers as an assistant and director of administration. He spent 1981 to 1990 as director of operations for the Rams.

He was general manager of the Orlando Thunder in the World League of American Football in 1991 and 1992.

Beam helped organize the NFL's American Bowl in London (1987), Tokyo (1989) and Berlin (1990). He also served as a consultant to the NFL at 29 Super Bowls, including last year.

Beam began his coaching career at his alma mater, Whittier College, where he assisted coach Don Coryell. He played three sports at Whittier, including football, where he was coached by George Allen and then by Coryell, both future NFL coaches.

He is survived by wife Dorothy, son Donn, daughter Cathy Crofts and three grandchildren.

Services are Wednesday in Whittier.