Phil Handler - Death and Closure

Death and Closure

Several months after the 1967 NFL season had ended, Handler was vacationing in Florida when he suffered the first of two heart attacks and spent several weeks in a hospital for treatment. Upon his release, doctors decreed that he would not only have to give up his coaching duties, but also would be unable to attend Bears' games, as well. Handler followed those orders, but just moments after a dramatic 17–16 Bears win over the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, he died of his third heart attack. Two days after his death, more than 500 people attended the funeral, with the Bears canceling a team practice so players, coaches and staff could attend. The following Sunday, December 15, 1968, when the Bears hosted the Green Bay Packers at Wrigley Field, a moment of silence was held before kickoff.

Handler is a member of the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame, the Chicago Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the B'nai Brith Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. His 17 seasons as a Chicago Bears assistant rank second in the history of the NFL's oldest franchise.