Heartbreaking News: Longtime NFL & College Football Coach Dies At Just 64

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The football community is mourning after Frank Gansz Jr. tragically died at a relatively young age.

Confusion often arises between him and his father, Frank Gansz Sr. It was the senior who won a Super Bowl ring as the special teams coordinator for the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Frank Gansz Jr. had a long coaching career as an assistant and special teams coordinator. His death has surely affected hundreds, if not thousands, of players across many leagues.

Legendary Legacy of Frank Gansz Jr.

The football community is mourning a devastating loss after a legendary coach passed away at 64. He spent decades coaching at both the professional and collegiate levels. Consequently, tributes are pouring in from players, peers, and fans who admired his incredible dedication.

The United Football League officially confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing. Naturally, his immense legacy is being celebrated across the entire sports world today.

“The UFL and St. Louis Battlehawks mourn the passing of Frank Gansz Jr., a second-generation football lifer who carved out his own path as a respected coach, teacher, and mentor. Frank was old school in the best sense of the word. He was a student of the game, passionate about his craft and deeply respected by his peers and players. With a remarkable ability to bridge generations, Gansz delivered a message that blended his love of history with his love of football, using lessons from the past to shape how his teams prepared for the present,” UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said.

“Frank brought passion, knowledge, discipline, and resiliency to everything he did. His impact on the UFL, the Battlehawks, and the people around him went far beyond the field. We extend our deepest condolences to the Gansz family and the countless people throughout the football community whose lives he touched during his remarkable coaching career.”

An official cause of death has not been announced.

Career Highlights of the Coach

Throughout his illustrious career, Frank Gansz Jr. became known as a true football lifer. He brought immense passion and discipline to every single program he helped lead. Specifically, he coached special teams in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to his NFL success, Frank Gansz Jr. left an indelible mark on college football. He held prominent coaching stints at major programs, including UCLA, SMU, Houston, and Kansas.

Most recently, he served as the special teams coordinator for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He was only with them for a few months before his tragic passing. With his help, the team went 6-4 and to the league semifinals.

Prior to joining the Battlehawks, he coached special teams for the Memphis Showboats, Tampa Bay Bandits, and Tampa Bay Vipers.