Former Ohio State Football Coach Earle Bruce Dies at 87

Former Ohio State football coach Earle Bruce has died at his home in central Ohio.

The Sporting News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Former Ohio State football coach Earle Bruce has died at his home in central Ohio. The College Football Hall of Fame member was 87.

His four daughters released a statement Friday on the loss of ''a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a respected coach to many.''

Bruce followed Woody Hayes as coach and compiled an 81-26-1 record. His teams won or shared in four Big Ten titles in between 1979 and 1987. He also coached at Tampa, Colorado State, Iowa State and of Northern Iowa. His career record was 154-90-2. He earlier coached high school football in Ohio.

Buckeye Nation lost one of its own. Thoughts and prayers to the Bruce Family. My mentor and friend, thank you for all you did for The Ohio State University, and all those players and coaches whose lives you made a difference in. pic.twitter.com/mveMGFHWXO

— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) April 20, 2018

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former @OhioStateFB coach Earle Bruce ’53. Our thoughts and condolences are with the entire Bruce family.

📸: @ESPN pic.twitter.com/kZU2GPZ99K

— Ohio State Alumni (@OhioStateAlumni) April 20, 2018

Bruce's Ohio State playing career was cut short by injury. Hayes encouraged him to get into coaching.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Jean.