Gerry Faust Dies at 89: Former Notre Dame Football Coach
Gerry Faust, the gravel-voiced Cincinnati high school coach who lived a dream by becoming the coach at Notre Dame, has died. He was 89.
Coaching Career
Faust guided the Fighting Irish from 1981 through 1985, compiling a record of 30-26-1. He succeeded Dan Devine as coach of Notre Dame and preceded Lou Holtz.
Faust’s Time at Notre Dame
“I have always loved Notre Dame and still do,” he said after he was fired following the 1985 season.
Post-Notre Dame Career
After his time at Notre Dame, Faust spent the next nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Akron, bringing the program from Division II to major-college status. His record was 43-53-3 with the Zips.
Challenges at Akron
However, his teams — playing a difficult Division I-A schedule and, eventually, some of the top teams in I-A — never reached that level again.
Career Highlights
Faust’s high school career was marked by numerous success stories. He spent 17 years at Archbishop Moeller in suburban Cincinnati, constructing the foundation of a legendary program in high school athletics.
Moeller Years
In 1963, Moeller’s first varsity team surprised many with a 9-1 record. In the next 17 years, Faust’s Moeller teams posted nine undefeated seasons, won 10 city championships, eight regional titles and five big-school state championships.
Mythical National Championships
Four times Faust teams were awarded mythical national championships, each following unbeaten and untied seasons in 1976, ’77, ’79 and ’80. The 1980 team completed a 13-0 season and capped Faust’s high school coaching record at a remarkable 174-17-2, a success rate of nearly 91%.
Celebrating His Life and Legacy
Faust remained at Akron after his coaching days, working as a fundraiser and in the development office before retiring in 2001.
Impact on the Game
Faust’s impact on the game of football extends far beyond his on-field record. He inspired countless athletes, coaches, and families throughout his career, earning their respect and admiration with his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Conclusion
Faust’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of coaches and athletes, serving as a reminder that success is not solely determined by wins and losses, but by the positive impact one has on the game and those who play it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Gerry Faust’s record at Notre Dame? Faust guided the Fighting Irish to a record of 30-26-1 in his five seasons as coach.
What was his record at Akron? Faust’s teams at Akron compiled a 43-53-3 record during his nine years as head coach.
How many mythical national championships did Faust win during his high school coaching career? Faust’s high school teams earned four mythical national championships between 1976 and 1980.
