Report: Former Notre Dame Football coach Gerry Faust dead at 89

According to Charlie Clifford of NBC5 in Cincinnati, former Notre Dame head coach Gerry Faust has passed away. Faust was 89 years old and spent five seasons with the Fighting Irish in the early 1980s.

“Very sad news: Former Moeller High School & Notre Football Coach Gerry Faust has passed away at the age of 89,” Clifford said via X. “Tonight the Faust family remembers a ‘loving husband, father, grandfather and coach who dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the teams & players he coached.'”

The family later released a full statement, remembering somebody who spent most of his coaching career in the high school ranks. Faust was also known for his Roman Catholic faith, bringing that to the sideline with him at Notre Dame.

“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,” the statement said. “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.”

Notre Dame hired Faust ahead of the 1981 season despite having no previous experience coaching at the college level. Nineteen years were spent at Archbishop Moeller, a high school just outside of Cincinnati, OH. Faust won five state championships and four national championships, all coming in the final six years. Seven undefeated records are on the resume as well.

A final record of 178-23-2 was good enough to get the Fighting Irish interested and eventually bring him to South Bend.

Faust spent five years with the Fighting Irish but struggled to find success. Only three were winning seasons and just two bowl appearances took place under his watch. Notre Dame moved on following the 1985 season, finishing 30-26-1 during the Faust era.

Lou Holtz was Faust’s replacement, coming over from Minnesota.

Luckily, Faust did not spend too long without a job in coaching. Akron came calling shortly after his time with Notre Dame, hiring him in 1986, and providing an opportunity to get back in the state of Ohio. The Zips were in the Ohio Valley Conference at the time but went independent in Faust’s second season. Flash forward to 1992, Akron joined the MAC.

Faust finished with a 43-53-3 record at Akron — good enough to be tied for third-most wins in program history.