Frank Broyles, AD at Arkansas, at age 92
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Frank Broyles, who guided the University of Arkansas to its lone national football championship and later molded the overall program as its athletic director, died yesterday at the age of 92.
Mr. Broyles died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a statement from his family. “He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement said.
Mr. Broyles won almost 71 percent of his games as head football coach with the Razorbacks for 19 years. He became the school’s athletic director in 1974 while still the football coach, eventually retiring from the gridiron to focus on administrative duties following the 1976 season.
As athletic director, Mr. Broyles led an overhaul and upgrade of Arkansas’ facilities — as well as leading the school in its move to the Southeastern Conference. Following his coaching career, Mr. Broyles — who earned a spot in the National Football Foundation’s College Hall of Fame — served as an analyst on ABC’s college football telecasts.
While his coaching record of 14448-5 defined the first part of his career, Mr. Broyles’ legacy at Arkansas is every bit equaled by his work as athletic director.
Mr. Broyles’ spearheaded the fundraising efforts that led to the construction of Bud Walton Arena, the renovation of and additions to Razorback Stadium and the building of Baum Stadium. He also guided the school as it built indoor and outdoor tracks, a tennis facility and the athletic administrative complex that bears his name.