College sports fans were left somber this week after a man who had been described as the Rodney Dangerfield of Florida State University coaches passed away this week.
According to the official website of Eastern Illinois University’s football team, former football coach Darrell Mudra died at the age of 93.
Coach hailed as “one of greatest leaders of all time”
The website noted that Mudra was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 and that he served as head coach at Eastern Illinois from 1978 until 1982.
Some of those who admired Mudra reacted to news of his death by posting tributes on social media. University of Northern Iowa head coach said in a tweet that Murta was “one of greatest leaders of all time.”
The @UNIFootball family has lost one of greatest leaders of all time; Coach Darrell Mudra. He guided UNI Football into and era that changed UNI forever May he R.I.P. knowing he made a lasting impact on many players and coaches and a legacy of success pic.twitter.com/HB76tBK7p6
— Mark Farley (@CoachMarkFarley) September 21, 2022
The National Football Foundation recalled Mudra’s prowess as a coach and announced that it was saddened by his passing.
NFF saddened by passing of @cfbhall coach Darrell Mudra, who claimed national titles (1965 w/ @NDSUfootball & 1978 w/ @EIU_FB), winning 70.9% of his games.
Head jobs also @AdamsStateFB @ArizonaFBall @WIUfootball @UNIFootball @FSUFootball @UNIFootball https://t.co/0uWws5VCez pic.twitter.com/BaQXFenbXS
— Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) September 22, 2022
“Darrell Mudra left his mark on numerous college programs, turning them around and winning more than 70 percent of his games en route to two national titles,” National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning said.
“A great football mind and innovator”
Manning spoke of the way in which he “always credited his assistants, and he mentored countless players over the years.”
“We are saddened to learn of his passing, and our thoughts are prayers are with his family at this time of loss,” the chairman concluded.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Coaches Association praised Mudra for having “always made himself available to high school coaches who wanted to learn the game of football.”
A great football mind and innovator
of football and coaching. But an even greater man and coach. He always made himself available to high school coaches who wanted to learn the game of football. He will definitely be missed! RIP Coach!https://t.co/bn9CxuPKtF— IL Coaches Assoc (@ICA_Illinois) September 22, 2022