The Michigan football family specifically and the football world in general is mourning the passing of one its most beloved coaches.
Jim Harbaugh confirmed on his Twitter account Sunday that Dave Adolph passed away earlier in the day at the age of 79 at his home in Dublin, Ohio. Sam Rutigliano, who had Adolph on his Cleveland Browns coaching staff in the late seventies and early eighties, told the Akron Beacon Journal that the long-time coach hd been battling an unspecified type of cancer.
Adolph had spent the past two seasons as a defensive analyst for Harbaugh’s Wolverines. For the six years prior to that, Adolph was a football staffer for rival Ohio State. He also worked for Harbaugh at the University of San Diego from 2004-2007We have lost one of the truly great ones. Coach Dave Adolph who brought joy to all he met and associated. “Do you love football?”
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) February 12, 2017
From 1979-1999, Adolph was an assistant for six different NFL clubs, including stops as defensive coordinator with the Browns (twice), San Diego Chargers (twice), Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
His last on-field job at the collegiate level came at OSU in 1978 under the legendary Woody Hayes. He was also on staffs at his alma mater Akron, UConn, Kentucky and Illinois.
According to a press release from the Browns, Adolph is survived by his five children -- Michael, Mark, Thomas, Shane and Heather -- and their 12 grandchildren.. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to those impacted by the coach’s passing.Coaching profession lost a Great one today. Dave Adolph treated people with Class and Respect . #rip pic.twitter.com/VS474HP5Mw
— Jon Heacock (@Coach_Heacock) February 12, 2017
Sad news today. We lost Coach Dave Adolph. I only knew him for 2 years,but his messages will inspire me for a lifetime! #RIP #criticalsheets
— Jedd Fisch (@CoachJeddFisch) February 12, 2017
