Former Loyola Coach Olivar, Passing Innovator, Dead at 75

Jordan Olivar, former football coach at Loyola University whose innovative offense has been recognized as the forerunner of the modern pro-style passing game, died at 75 Wednesday at his home in Inglewood. His death was attributed to lung cancer.

Olivar, a Brooklyn native, played football at Villanova, then after several years of high school coaching returned to the Philadelphia school as coach in 1942-48. While his team was on the West Coast to play in the Harbor Bowl, he was offered the job at what is now Loyola Marymount University.

He coached the Lions to national prominence from 1949 to ‘51, including an 8-1 season in 1950, when his wide-open passing offense was fourth in the nation. His players included star quarterback Don Klosterman, who went on to become the general manager of the Rams. In 1951, several Catholic football programs on the West Coast were discontinued, including Loyola’s.

Olivar returned East and coached Yale from 1952 to ‘62, winning national coach of the year honors in 1960. After retiring, he moved back to the Southland.

Olivar is survived by his wife, Stella; a daughter, Harriet Pilmanis; a son, Harry, and nine grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Loyola’s Sacred Heart Chapel. The family said scholarship funds have been established in Olivar’s name for Loyola Marymount, Villanova and Yale. Donations may be made to Harry Olivar, 1800 Avenue of the Stars 435, Los Angeles 90067.