Gerry Faust Death, Obituary Dayton, Ohio – On November 11, 2024, Gerry Faust, the renowned high school and collegiate football coach, died at the age of 89. Faust is well-known for his love of football and commitment to his team members. His years of leadership, particularly in high school and collegiate athletics, define his legacy. Gerard Anthony Faust, born on May 21, 1935, had a strong passion for football as a child and went on to play quarterback at the University of Dayton.
Faust flourished under the tutelage of former Notre Dame coach Hugh Devore, but he passed up Notre Dame’s half scholarship offer in favor of Dayton. Following his graduation in 1958, Faust embarked on an incredible coaching career that would propel him from the top tiers of high school football to one of the most prominent coaching positions in college football. In 1962, Faust started his coaching career in earnest at Cincinnati, Ohio’s Moeller High School. He guided Moeller to national prominence over almost 20 years, winning four High School Football National Championships and amassing a record of 178–23–2.
He became a local hero and a well-known figure in Ohio football as a result of his success at Moeller, where he was renowned for fostering discipline, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic. Faust transitioned to collegiate football in 1981, taking over as head coach at the University of Notre Dame, where he remained until 1985. Despite having a 30-26-1 collegiate record and a mediocre tenure, he won over many players and supporters with his passion and commitment to the game. After leaving to become a coach at the University of Akron in 1986, he remained there until 1994, finishing his time as a college coach with a 73–79–4 record.
Faust’s influence went well beyond his record of victories and defeats. He coached innumerable young athletes and was respected for his sincere dedication to his players’ growth on and off the field. Faust’s commitment to character development and his Catholic faith served as the foundation for his coaching philosophy, which he upheld throughout his career. Earlier this year, on June 8, 2024, he was inducted into the National High School Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting impact. The numerous players, coaches, and supporters that Gerry Faust influenced throughout the years will carry on his legacy. His efforts to football, especially in Ohio, have had a profound effect.
