Gerry Faust, who served as head coach of Notre Dame football from 1981 to 1985, passed away on Monday (11 November 2024).
Apart from Notre Dame, Faust also worked as the head coach for the University of Akron, Moeller High School.
The legendary college football coach’s family broke the sad news on Monday night, announcing the passing of Gerry.
Highlights
- The renowned college football coach Gerry Faust passed away at 89. The cause of Gerry Faust’s death has not been immediately disclosed.
- His family released a statement and said that he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and coach.
- He had a long and successful career as a high school and college football coach.
“It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerry Faust. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and coach who dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the teams, and players he coached.”
The Faust Family
Gerry Faust was born in Dayton, Ohio. He was a talented quarterback for the Dayton Flyers before transitioning into a coach.
The Dayton native later became the head coach of the Moeller High School Crusaders. He led them to an impressive record of 178 wins, 23 losses, and 2 ties from 1962 to 1980.
Faust then moved to Notre Dame, where he coached the Fighting Irish to a 30-26-1 record over five seasons from 1981 to 1985.
When Dan Devine left Notre Dame after the 1980 season, the university surprised everyone with its choice for the next head football coach.
He continued his coaching career with the Akron Zips from 1986 to 1994.
Gerry Faust Is Remembered As A Legend Coach
Following the passing of the notable college and high school football coach, fans, athletes, and former colleagues remembered him as a legendary coach at Notre Dame, Moeller High School, and Akron.
Former Fighting Irish star player Tim Brown wrote, “As I get older, I know these things are going to happen, but it doesn’t make it any easier.“
“Today, we lost the man that had the nerve to offer a kid a scholarship who was on a team that won 4 games in 3 years in high school. When no one else saw anything in me, he offered me a.“
Tim Brown
Was just told the news of the passing of Gerry Faust. what an absolutely wonderful person. Met him back in 1978 at Cincinnati Moeller 2 yrs later he took the Notre Dame job. His personality never changed. No ego, stayed humble and always a friend you can count on. God bless Coach pic.twitter.com/yg08ehpNx6
— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) November 12, 2024
Similarly, many people continued to share stories of the late coach. A social media user Eddie White wrote, “RIP #GerryFaust. Can’t say enough good things about this Great person.”
White added that Gerry might just be the nicest man he ever worked with.
“He didn’t win as many games as @NDFootball fans may have wanted but he truly loved ND! I am so sad. He was so great to my family always. God Bless You, Coach!”
Eddie White
As for the cause of his death, the specific details have not been disclosed by his family.
Gerry Faust Welcomed Three Children With His Wife Marlene Agruso
The late coach was married to his wife, Marlene Agruso, 60 years. They tied the knot on 4 April 1964.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, Faust wished for only two things in life. The 1st was to be a head coach at Notre Dame and the 2nd was to marry a simple Catholic girl.
During their six decades of blissful marital life, Faust and his spouse welcomed three children, Julie Marie, Gerry III, and Steve Faust.
Gerry Faust’s son, Steve Faust, attended Notre Dame and graduated. Moreover, the former ND coach was also a loving grandfather to his five grandchildren.
“My grandchildren are the greatest hobby I ever had.”
Gerry Faust told the Los Angeles Times
Additional Information
- He garnered a significant net worth throughout his three-decades-long coaching career.
- Gerry Faust’s annual salary was $70,000 when he was the head coach at the University of Akron.
- The former Notre Dame head coach was a devout Catholic.
