INDIANAPOLIS — Former Notre Dame football coach Gerry Faust has died, his family said in a statement.
Faust coached the Fighting Irish from 1981-1985, compiling at 30-26-1 record with the school. He was 89 years old.
"Throughout an extraordinary life driven by an unwavering and deep devotion to his Catholic faith, he was a beloved mentor to countless young men both on and off the playing field. His work ethic, optimism, leadership and humility were legendary. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion, and inspiration, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact one life can have," Faust's family said in a statement to WLWT-TV on Monday night.
A Dayton, Ohio native, Faust coached 18 seasons at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, from 1962-1980. He led the Crusaders to four national titles and five Ohio state championships during his final six seasons at the school.
His success at Moeller earned Faust induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame in June 2024.
"Coach Faust embodied all that it means to be a Man of Moeller," Moeller’s interim president, Carl Kremer, told WLWT. "He inspired his players to be men of faith and character who pursued academic excellence and pushed one another to succeed. He believed in that brotherhood, and he defined it in how he lived."
Following the 1980 season, he was hired as head coach at Notre Dame, succeeding Dan Devine.
Faust led the Irish to a Liberty Bowl victory in 1983 and a 1984 Aloha Bowl appearance, but resigned after finishing 5-6 in 1985.
He finished his career leading the University of Akron for nine seasons from 1986-1994, leading the Zips to a 43-53-3 record.