Ex-Notre Dame Football Coach Dead at 89

Famed Notre Dame football coach Gerry Faust has died at 89, his family announced on Monday night (per The South Bend Tribune).

“It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerry Faust, loving husband, father, grandfather and coach who dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the teams and players he coached,” the statement read.

Faust is best remembered for his coaching tenure with Notre Dame, which lasted from 1981–1985. When he began at Notre Dame, Faust replaced coach Dan Devine, who was played by Chelcie Ross in Rudy (1993). During his five seasons with the team, Faust went 30–26–1. He took the team to a Liberty Bowl win in 1983 and a spot at the 1984 Alamo Bowl. He also served as coach for more than 20 years at Cincinnati’s Moeller High School.

“Throughout an extraordinary life driven by an unwavering and deep devotion to his Catholic faith, he was a beloved mentor to countless young men both on and off the playing field,” his family’s statement continued. “His work ethic, optimism, leadership and humility were legendary. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion, and inspiration, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact one life can have. While most knew him as a coach, we will long remember him as a wonderful father and grandfather who inspired us through example to live our best lives.”

Former Notre Dame star Tim Brown honored Faust with a post on X (formerly Twitter). “As I get older, I know these things are going to happen, but it doesn't make it any easier,” Brown said. “Today, we lost the man that had the nerve to offer a kid a scholarship who was on a team that won four games in three years in high school. When no one else saw anything in me, he offered me a scholarship. Gerry Faust! RIP coach! And THANKS!!”

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 (@81TimBrown) November 12, 2024