RIP Dick Tomey

Dick Tomey, former Arizona head football coach, dies at 80

Long-time coach, I think it can be said, best known for turning programs around at Hawaii, Arizona and San Jose State. In the case of the latter, it was also a situation of getting them out of the APR doghouse.

Great defensive mind, which may have cost him the job at Arizona.

 

Always remembered him for the lei on the sidelines in Honolulu.

Surprised he was only 80. In his last few years in Hawaii in the 1980s, he looked like everyone’s retired grandpa who takes the boat out every weekend.

 

Like Rocky Long at SD State, a great coach who most people don't appreciate as much as they should because they did their work out west.

 

He worked under three head coaches at UCLA and had a major impact. Rocky Long did, too.

 

Would have been nice if the article had his photo.

Instead, I got three identical UFC ads in there, for women beating each other up.

 

Ah shit. He was a good man. Got to interview him once and he was gracious during it. Even had a great wise ass remark.

Spartan Up, coach. RIP

 

I'm guessing the particular job factored in as well. That's a hard job and the fact he only had two really great seasons might've dampened things (even though that's more an indicator of the job).