Jim Herbstreit, a former Ohio State captain and father to ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, passed away Thursday at the age of 77 years old.
“It’s a tough day for my family and I,” Kirk Herbstreit said in a brief statement provided to The Columbus Dispatch.
Herbstreit was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago. Herbstreit, who played running back and defensive back, was a co-captain for the Buckeyes in 1960 with Jim Tyrer under head coach Woody Hayes. Herbstreit joined Hayes as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes after graduating in 1961. Herbstreit’s coaching career moved to Miami Ohio as an assistant for Bo Schembechler, who had also been on the Ohio State staff as an assistant under Hayes. Herbstreit’s coaching days did not last long, as he left the game just two years later to enter the business world.
Overwhelmed by the well wishes about my Dads passing. I truly am. Thanks to every single one of you. God Bless. https://t.co/eEV8vz2kAC
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) March 18, 2016
Thanks Vonn. Appreciate you reaching out. He was a captain in 1960 & an assistant under Woody. He loved you. Thanks! https://t.co/sZRNl7IfHU
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) March 18, 2016
Our thoughts also go out to the entire Herbstreit family at this time.
