Michigan football releases statement on passing of longtime coach Gary Moeller

The Michigan football team has come together to remember Gary Moeller following the tragic news that the former Wolverines coach passed away Monday morning at 81 years old. Coaches and players who interacted with Moeller during his time in Ann Arbor reached out the the athletic department to express just how much he means to the history of the program.

“I am deeply humbled when people refer to me as a ‘Michigan Man,'” former Wolverines offensive tackle and radio play-by-play host Jim Brandstatter said. “In my opinion, Gary Moeller was as fine a “Michigan Man” as you’ll find. At Michigan football we have lost a giant. Gary Moeller, an Ohio State graduate, belongs in the front row of Michigan football greats. He unfortunately suffered more adversity than he deserved, and yet came through it with his strength and his character intact.

“I pray for his wife Ann, and his family. He was a fabulous Dad. He was a great friend. I loved the guy. I’m not the only one. I will miss him. Rest in peace Mo.”

Gary Moeller began his coaching career with Michigan in 1969 as a defensive ends coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1973. Under Moeller as leader of the defense, Michigan led the nation in scoring defense in 1974 and 1976.

He is one of only 11 coaches in school history to remain with the program for more than 20 years, and his success was immediate as head coach. Moeller won the Big Ten title in his first season as coach. The Wolverines went on to win four bowl games under Moeller during his five years as head coach, and posted a 44-13-3 record. Michigan finished in the top 20 in national polling for all five years of his tenure as head coach, and won the 1993 Rose Bowl against Washington.

“I was fortunate enough to work with Coach Mo at both Miami (Ohio) and Michigan,” former Michigan football equipment manager Jon Falk said. “Gary Moeller was a coach that looked out for everyone that worked with him and for all of the players that played for him and represented our program. He was a good-hearted man who made decisions and sought input from his staff to make sure that the decisions were right for Michigan. Gary Moeller will be missed but will not be forgotten. He was a great Michigan Man and close friend to my family.”

Moeller is survived by his wife, Ann, three daughters, Susan, Amy and Molly, and son, Andy, a former linebacker and captain for the Wolverines. The family will hold a visitation on Friday, July 15, from 2-8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home in Lima, Ohio (1170 Shawnee Road). A private family funeral will be held on Saturday, July 16.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.