Sadly, there’s more unfortunate news to pass along just days after the death of former Alabama athletic director Mal Moore.
A University of Houston spokesperson announced Monday evening that former Cougars coach Jack Pardee passed away at the age of 76. Pardee’s family announced in November that he had gall bladder cancer, and that it had spread to other parts of his body. He was given less than one year to live.
Pardee coached at UH from 1987-89, during which time the Cougars became known for having one of the most potent offenses in college football. Under Pardee’s guidance, Andre Ware became the first African-American quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy.
''When you talk about the great offenses in the history of college football, coach Pardee’s Run-and-Shoot teams from the late 1980s must be considered near the top of that list,’' Houston coach Tony Levine told the Associated Press.
But Pardee is also remembered for being one of the 35 “Junction Boys” to survive the grueling preseason camp of then Texas A&M coach Bear Bryant in 1954.
Pardee played three seasons at A&M before being drafted 14th overall by the Los Angeles Rams. He finished his pro career with the Redskins in 1973 and went on to coach in the pros, including a stop with the Chicago Bears.
Pardee was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
As always, our condolences to Pardee’s family, as well as all those affected by his loss.
