Shutterstock
Terry Donahue, the winningest coach in Pac-12 Conference and UCLA football history, passed away over the weekend. Donahue, who was 77 years old, died after a two-year battle with cancer.
Donahue was at his home in Newport Beach, California at the time of his death.
The legendary coach joined UCLA as a walk-on defensive lineman in 1965, helping the Bruins reach their first-ever Rose Bowl in 1966. He would eventually go on to serve as head coach for the school, being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his success. Donahue also had a stint as general manager for the San Francisco 49ers.
Donahue became the first to appear in a Rose Bowl game as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.
During his tenure with the Bruins, Donahue compiled a 151-74-8 coaching record at UCLA.
We mourn the loss of a true Bruin and college football legend.https://t.co/NL6FbU5lhw#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/gbO68XLLu0
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) July 5, 2021
After news of his death surfaced, current UCLA football coach Chip Kelly released a statement on the former coach’s passing.
“He epitomizes everything you strive to be as a coach and as a human being,” Kelly said. “Since the moment I stepped on campus, he’s been an incredible mentor and one of the most authentic, humble and toughest men I’ve ever met. He loved UCLA with all he had, and I can’t express how important his guidance and friendship has been for me.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Donahue’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
