Gerry Faust, the renowned college football coach, passed away at 89, leaving behind both fond memories and a legacy marked with the highs and lows of coaching at one of college football's most prestigious programs. His family confirmed the news on November 11, 2024, and there are no details yet on the cause of his passing.
Born and raised in Ohio, Faust was driven by a passion for football from his early days. His father was a successful high school football coach, and the younger Faust always dreamed big, setting his eyes on playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After playing quarterback at the University of Dayton from 1955 to 1957, he ventured down the coaching path. From 1962 to 1980, he transformed the football program at Archbishop Moeller High School, guiding them to remarkable accomplishments with five state titles and four national championships, recording 174 wins to just 17 losses.
Faust’s success at Moeller caught the attention of Notre Dame, which was seeking to fill the coaching position vacated by Dan Devine. Described as part of the "Bold Experiment,” Faust was hired as head coach of the Fighting Irish in 1980 but was taking on the task with no previous college coaching experience.
His tenure, spanning from 1981 to 1985, was tumultuous. While he achieved the thrill of defeating LSU 27-9 to kick off the 1981 season, the glory was short-lived as the team suffered defeat and struggled through the seasons. Faust's record at Notre Dame was 30 wins, 26 losses, and 1 tie, with only one bowl victory—the 1983 Liberty Bowl against Boston College, which was, ironically, highlighted by Doug Flutie’s famous Hail Mary play. The seasons under Faust were filled with challenges—his teams often losing at least four games each year.
Despite the setbacks, Faust’s enthusiasm and commitment to the program were unwavering. He recalled his days at Notre Dame with gratitude, stating, "I only had 26 miserable days at Notre Dame, and that's when we lost... I was the happiest guy in the world." He remained steadfast even when the pressure mounted to replace him, believing firmly in his dream to coach at Notre Dame.
The struggles of the Fighting Irish during Faust's term culminated with the team's failure to secure wins, resulting in his resignation at the end of the 1985 season. His last game was memorable for all the wrong reasons—a staggering 58-7 defeat to the University of Miami.
Following his Notre Dame career, Faust continued coaching at the University of Akron for nine seasons from 1986 to 1994. His record there was 43 wins, 53 losses, and 3 draws, transitioning the Zips from I-AA to Division I status within just one year.
Faust's family released a statement highlighting his role as a mentor to countless young men, both on and off the field, underscoring the legacy of compassion, perseverance, and inspiration he imparted throughout his life. The impact he had extended well beyond the gridiron.
Among those expressing condolences was Tim Brown, the 1987 Heisman Trophy winner, who mentioned the life-changing influence Faust had on his career. Brown remarked on social media about how Faust offered him a scholarship when no one else would, demonstrating the coach's vision and belief in potential where others saw none.
The legacy of Gerry Faust will endure within the realms of college football, remembered not just for his record but for the deep and lasting impact he had on his players and the communities he touched. His commitment to his faith and his personal strength have served as guiding principles for many he coached.
Archbishop Moeller High School, where Faust first carved out his coaching career, also acknowledged his passing by announcing the team would wear "GF" decals on their helmets during their next game to honor him.
