Washington announces death of former football coach Don James

The University of Washington announced Sunday that Don James, the legendary football coach who led the Huskies to the 1991 national championship, has died at age 80.

“At home and comforted by family, longtime Washington football coach Don James passed away this morning from the effects of pancreatic cancer,” the school said in a statement. “The James family would like to thank the thousands of friends, former players and fellow coaches, and fans who prayed and expressed their love and support for Don these past few weeks.”

James coached Washington for 18 seasons before his retirement in 1993. His record with the Huskies was 153-58-2 and he had an overall record of 176-78-3. He previously served as head coach at Kent State.

Here is an in-depth obit from the school.

“Never ever forget how 1 life can impact so many,” former Washington quarterback Brock Huard tweeted Sunday. “Coach James, you will never be forgotten & your legacy lives on in the lives you changed.”

Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian also expressed his condolences in a statement.

“My family and I are extremely saddened to hear of Coach James’ passing,” Sarkisian said. “His accomplishments as a football coach stand alone, but what made him truly special is the quality of man he was away from the game. The guidance and leadership he instilled into this program and community are still felt today, and will continue to be felt here for a long, long time.”

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