Former Michigan State Coach Duffy Daugherty Dies at Age 72

Duffy Daugherty, who guided Michigan State’s football program to national prominence and a pair of Big 10 Conference titles in 19 years, died Friday of kidney failure. He was 72.

Daugherty, who lived in Santa Barbara since 1975, died at Cottage Hospital in that city. He had been hospitalized since Aug. 23 after a long bout with heart disease.

Earlier this month, Daugherty’s telegram to Spartan Coach George Perles proved to be an inspiration for the team before its 27-13 nationally televised Labor Day victory over USC.

“He was a warm person, a soft person, full of compassion,” said Perles, who played and coached under Daugherty. “The poorer you were, the more help you got. The more you needed help, the more you got.”

Known for his pixieish Irish wit and jovial nature, Daugherty compiled a 109-69-5 record at Michigan State and led eight teams to Top 20 finishes between 1954 and 1972.

His career was highlighted by the powerhouse teams of 1965-66, which had a combined 19-1-1 record with stars such as Gene Washington, Bubba Smith and Clint Jones.

In two Rose Bowl appearances, Daugherty’s teams split with UCLA, winning, 17-14, in 1956 and losing, 14-12, in 1966.

Many fans will remember Daugherty as the coach who led the No. 2 Spartans to a frustrating 10-10 tie with top-ranked Notre Dame in the 1966 “Game of the Century.”

“It’s hard to believe someone that close to us is dead,” said Bubba Smith, who now lives in Los Angeles. “Duff was the best at what he did. He was a caring person.”

The former All-Pro defensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts said he still remembers Daugherty telling his defensive team during the Notre Dame game, “We got you seven points; now go win it.”

“He was a funny man,” Smith said. “He’s Irish. That competitive thing would come out of him. It was infectious.”

After leaving the coaching position in 1972, Daugherty remained at Michigan State as a special assistant to the vice president for development. He retired on Sept. 20, 1974, and the following year he and his family moved to the Santa Barbara area.

Nick Vista, Michigan State’s sports information director, said university officials planned a ceremony to honor Daugherty during today’s game against Florida State.

Funeral arrangements are pending.